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Animal studies have shown increased hippocampal neurogenesis with antidepressant use (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:12796), but less is known about the hippocampal effects of coping with naturally occurring stress, which would have implications for nonpharmacological psychiatric treatments. To test the effect of coping with stress on hippocampal neurogenesis and hippocampal-related behaviors, these researchers used an animal model that mimics coping with naturally occurring environmental stress.
Twelve male monkeys were randomized to either living for 18 months with the same male partner (nonstressed control group) or to six 3-month sessions, in which monkeys spent the first 3 weeks in isolation and the last 9 weeks with a new male partn…