Forced Swim Test

Question 1

FST aka as?

Answer 1

Porsolt test

Question 2

Porsolt et al., 1977

Answer 2

Rats or mice forced to swim in a confined space from which there is no escape. Mice: single swim test following single dose of drug.
Rats: 2 swim tests 24 hours apart. drug treatment sub-chronic at 23h 5 h and 30 min prior to second swim

Question 3

Detke et al., 1995

Answer 3

Increased swimming reflects increased serotonin activity.

Increased climbing reflects increased noradrenergic activity

Question 4

PJ Mitchell personal observation

Answer 4

Positive responses only seen if water is at least 10 degrees below core body temperature resulting in severe hypothermia (weakens parallel with depression)

Question 5

Willner and Mitchell 2002

Answer 5

The fact the FST responds to acute drug treatment has been a frequent source of criticism. the only symptomatic resemblance to depression is an inability or reluctance to maintain effort

Question 6

Porsolt et al., 1991

Answer 6

90% of clinically active antidepressants are active in the FST

Question 7

Connor et al., 2000

Answer 7

Test not usually sensitive to SSRIs although activity has been sometimes reported and this reflects a subtle technical change- increase in water depths

Question 8

Connor et al., 1999

Answer 8

Drugs that reduce immobility in FST:
-TCAS
-MAOIs
-atypical antidepressants
-NA reuptake inhibitor
5HT1a,1b, 1c agonists 
St John's Wort
ECS
REM sleep deprivation 
(TERMANS5)

Question 9

Porsolt et al 1977- no effect drugs

Answer 9

stimulants
convulsants
anticholinergics
antihistamines
opiates
peptides

Question 10

Validity of FST

Answer 10

Predictive validity may be high but face and construct validity are poor. Depressive illness results from chronic stress. They also respond to acute drug treatment.