Tests for Anxiolytic Activity

Abstract

Definitions in psychopharmacology have been coined by the activity of special compounds or chemical classes found in patients. This is not only true for the term “neuroleptic” but also for the term “anxiolytic.” Other terms have been “ataractic” or “psycholeptic.” Anxiolytics are derived from “tranquilizers,” such as meprobamate which was used widely until the advent of benzodiazepines. The property which these drugs have in common is the alleviation of anxiety, thus explaining the term “anxiolytic.” These agents are used for the relatively minor disorders of the nonpsychotic or neurotic type, whereas the antipsychotic agents (phenothiazines, butyrophenones) are given mainly to combat the more severe psychotic or schizophrenic reactions. Thus, the terms antianxiety and antipsychotic indicate a qualitative distinction in the clinical use and mode of action of the drug. Pathological anxiety in man has been defined by its interference with normal functions, by manifestations of somatic disorders, emotional discomfort, interference with productivity at work, etc. This complex characterization of anxiety in man already indicates the difficulties to find appropriate pharmacological models. Therefore, several tests have to be performed to find a spectrum of activities which can be considered to be predictive for therapeutic efficacy in patients. For in vivo studies, most investigators use a battery of anticonvulsive tests, anti-aggressive tests, and evaluation of conditioned behavior (Treit et al. 2010; Boissier and Simon 1969; Lippa et al. 1979; Lloyd and Morselli 1987).