Mood disorders are usually incompletely explained by behavior models as most are derived from pioneer work from largactil era by H Laborit.

APcis has developed biochemical assays of stress induced cortcosteroid levels different in rodent and in dog, after pharmacological induction of serotonin dysfunction in the brain with 5HT2 and 5HT4 agonists and benzodiazepins. Prevention of prolonged elevated cortisol level in dogs is predictive of potential antidepressant potential in man.

Moreover, potential antidepressants should not alter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep thus general and specific pharmacology can be performed in short periods of time.