Modeling trauma to develop treatments for posttraumatic stress.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic mental health disorder that impairs daily functioning and reduces overall quality of life. Current treatments are effective only in some patient populations and do not adequately address all aspects of PTSD’s complex symptomatology. This is largely attributable to current gaps in knowledge about the pathophysiology of the disorder. Animal models of PTSD are a critical part of the drug discovery process. Animal models of PTSD use intense stressors to model trauma exposure and careful outcome measures translatable to PTSD symptoms to probe the central mechanisms underpinning the disorder. This review highlights common animal models of PTSD and their strengths and weaknesses in modeling the disorder. Outcome measures of translational value and the utility of these models for making further discoveries to inform the treatment of PTSD are also discussed. What is the significance of this article for the general public?—PTSD is a devastating chronic disorder that impacts 8% of the United States population. Diagnostic challenges and an incomplete understanding of the complex pathophysiology of the disorder have limited our ability to adequately treat PTSD. Animal models of PTSD are critical for investigating the underlying pathophysiology and cause–effect biological and environmental relationships that contribute to the disorder. Knowledge gained from the careful use of animal models is key to improving diagnostic tools, discovering novel medications, and implementing precision medicine in the treatment of PTSD.