Several categories of animal models may be employed, including models based on a behavioral selection (e.g. the endophenotype prepulse inhibition), on a pharmacological selection (e.g. the psychotic effects of drugs, such as amphetamine) or on brain lesions (e.g. animal models with disconnections of the hippocampus). In addition, genetic animal models – with targeted genetic manipulations of specific genes - can be used, including knockout and transgenic models. Genetically modified animals can be subjected to a whole battery of behavioral tests to understand the role of a gene in neurodevelopmental aetiology. Furthermore, such models can be used to study environmental manipulations, including maternal or chronic stress paradigms.
