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Depressed Hamsters Help Researchers

Posted by Zonk on from the sad-little-squeakers dept.

Ant wrote to mention an ABC News article indicating that hampsters feel the same effects during the winter months as humans do. Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), winter-related depression affects up to 20 percent of Americans. From the article: "For example, if the animals spend more time hovering near the walls of their containers, rather than at the center, it's believed they feel more anxious. If they decline to slurp up tempting offers of sugar water, scientists take it as a sign of depression. Another test involves placing the animals in water and seeing if they swim or simply give up and float. Hamsters don't sink apparently, but float in water. 'The sooner they give up in the water, the more depressed they are,' Pyter said. 'If you give them an antidepressant they don't give up as quickly.'"

4 of 172 comments (clear)

  1. those things are lovely! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Those russian hamsters are absolutely adorable - IMO one of the best pets. I have two Roborovskii russian hamsters and they are the best hamsters we've ever had. They never bite and are so amazingly playful.

    http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=roborovskii&ie =ISO-8859-1&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images

  2. Maybe it's not a "Disorder" at all. by jcr · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I can easily see that being relatively sedentary in the winter cuold be advantageous from a survival standpoint. Who says you have to be perky all the time?

    -jcr

    --
    The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
  3. I found the flaw in this study! Look at me! by Iron+Fusion · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I am the only one sick of trite/simplistic criticisms of scientific studies based on mainstream news articles? Maybe try to read between the lines rather than attack something based on what is most likely a simplification or omission for the sake of a mainstream audience.

  4. Re:Tom Cruise? by Tony+Hoyle · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Best advice I ever had when I had my depressive period - don't let the doctors near you, they'll fill you with drugs. I got myself through it and am a much better person for it.

    I've seen what antidepressants do to people - my wife was prescribed them for stomach cramps.. took them for two days and the effect was so awful I hope I never see a human being in that state again. They work by making the person unable to function - the zombie effect. Sitting in a corner dribbling is not my idea of being 'helped' by drugs.