Source Paper
From Struggling (With) Screening Tests to Mouse Models of Depression‐Relevant Neurobehavioral States
Pryce CR
Curr Protoc • 2026
Tail Suspension Test
behavioralmicenot specified
Objective: Screening test for antidepressant mechanism of action (monoamine-transporter reuptake inhibition) by measuring immobility vs. active behavior
Protocol Steps
1
Tail suspension setup
Suspend mouse by taping tail tip to lever
View evidence from paper
“suspending the mouse by taping the tip of its tail to a lever”
2
Test duration
Conduct test for 6 minutes total
View evidence from paper
“suspending the mouse by taping the tip of its tail to a lever for 6 min”
3
Behavioral observation
Observe initial period of active movements followed by immobile hanging
View evidence from paper
“after an initial period of running movements, torsion, and jerks, immobile hanging predominates”