Schizophrenia Models    

Schizophrenia is diagnosed on the basis of positive symptoms (e.g., auditory hallucinations, paranoia, aimless or purposeless behavior) or negative symptoms (e.g., emotional affect, social withdrawal, reduced movement).  Accordingly, models of schizophrenia are divided into three general categories 1) general screening, 2) targeted positive symptom models, and 3) targeted negative symptom models.  The following models in these categories are offered by NDI:

General Screening Models

• Paw Test
• Drug Discrimination
• NDMA antagonist-induced locomotor activity

Positive Symptom Models

• Conditioned Avoidance Response
• Inhibition of amphetamine-induced activity

Negative Symptom Models

• Pre-Pulse Inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle
• PCP Social Interaction

There are often adverse effects of anti-psychotics.  A model that assesses these potential adverse side-effects (catalepsy) is also offered.

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