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Investigation of Individual Differences in Stress Susceptibility and Drug-Seeking in an Animal Model of SUD/PTSD Comorbidity

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Methods for Preclinical Research in Addiction

Part of the book series: Neuromethods ((NM,volume 174))

Abstract

Differential physical, psychological, and treatment outcomes for individuals with comorbid substance use and posttraumatic stress disorder (SUD/PTSD), in comparison for either disorder alone, necessitate the advancement of preclinical translational models for this dual diagnosis. This chapter details a novel animal model of comorbid SUD/PTSD that uses predator scent stress to precipitate heterogenous responses to trauma in a rodent population. Rodents are classified as stress-Susceptible, -Resilient, or Intermediate according to anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and the acoustic startle response task. Following classification, rats undergo drug-self administration, extinction, and reinstatement. The methods described in this chapter detail a preclinical model of comorbid SUD/PTSD that can be used to identify targets for treatment translatable to the human population.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the University of Florida Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Related Disorders (COARD).

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Correspondence to Marek Schwendt .

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Wilkinson, C., Blount, H., Knackstedt, L., Schwendt, M. (2022). Investigation of Individual Differences in Stress Susceptibility and Drug-Seeking in an Animal Model of SUD/PTSD Comorbidity. In: Aguilar, M.A. (eds) Methods for Preclinical Research in Addiction. Neuromethods, vol 174. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-1748-9_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-1748-9_10

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  • Publisher Name: Humana, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-0716-1747-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-0716-1748-9

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