Vogel conflict test

[1] Suppressing behaviour through punishment is commonly used to determine the anxiolytic properties of drugs.

[1] Conditioning chambers are used to train animals to do simple tasks such as pulling a lever or pushing a button.

The other group is also placed in the apparatus but does not receive an electrical shock when they push the lever.

Following long term administration of the agent, animals should be observed to determine any potential rebound or withdrawal effects.

[3] Since conditions such as anxiety are idiopathic, animal models are difficult to create and therefore flawed.

However animal models can be pharmacologically validated by usually by benzodiazepines, a common anti anxiety medication.

Other drugs that are known to treat anxiety such as SSRIs which theoretically increase number of responses, show no effect in the VCT.

Drugs that increase thirst or appetite can give inconsistent results.

Lab personnel must be trained to avoid injury or disease to the animals.