Fluoxetine decreases stereotypic behavior in primates

Signs of generalized anxiety and compulsive disorders in chimpanzees

“…Other authors have pointed out that stereotypic behaviors observed in nonhuman primates reared in captivity are reminiscent of obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic symptoms observed in humans (Hugo et al, 2003;Brüne, 2006). Some stereotypies in nonhuman primates have been shown to decrease in response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which have also been used to successfully treat symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in humans (Hugo et al, 2003;Brüne, 2006).…”

“…Some stereotypies in nonhuman primates have been shown to decrease in response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which have also been used to successfully treat symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in humans (Hugo et al, 2003;Brüne, 2006). Despite similarities among humans, nonhuman primates, and other animals, behavioral signs of psychopathology in animals are frequently described as individual traits rather than clinical syndromes as they are in human patients, although a recent study has highlighted the unexpectedly high prevalence of abnormal behaviors in captive chimpanzees as well as welfare implications arising from these observations (Birkett and Newton-Fisher, 2011).…”

Stereotypies in Captive Primates and the Use of Inositol: Lessons from Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder in Humans

“…Because drug therapy for OCD in humans targets the neurotransmitter serotonin and its associated receptors (Hollander and Pallanti 2002;Kaplan and Hollander 2004;Wong et al 1995), fluoxetine (marketed as Prozac), which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is popularly used in this treatment. Although drug therapy is not commonly used for captive animals, fluoxetine has been reported to eliminate stereotypic behavior completely in adult vervets and dogs (Hugo et al 2003;Wynchank and Berk 1998). Hence treatments used in human medicine may be feasible in the treatment of closely related animals such as nonhuman primates.…”

“…In a double-blind crossover study, clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), and fluoxetine were successful in treating dogs suffering from acral lick dermatitis (a stereotypic SIB involving excessive licking), whereas treatments with norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, desipramine, and another drug that aids 5-HT release, fenfluramine, were not effective (Rapoport et al 1992). The administration of fluoxetine to a group of captive vervets exhibiting stereotypic behaviors gradually reduced such displays (Hugo et al 2003). The success of SRIs and the failure of fenfluramine and other drugs targeted at other neurotransmitter systems indicates that the regulation of 5-HT reuptake might be the key to treating OCD and stereotypies.…”

“…Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in humans often shares similar physiology and pharmacology with stereotypies in a variety of animals, such as deer mice (Korff et al 2008), dogs (Stein et al 1994), and vervets (Cercopithecus aethiops) (Hugo et al 2003). As such, many animal models have been used in the study of OCD.…”