Three methods of behavioural testing to measure anxiety – A review

Behavioural test is very useful to assess the anxiety activity, screen new anxiolytic drugs, explore the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders. Methods of behavioural testing that reflects different aspects of anxiety emotionality simultaneously have always been a critical issue for academics. In this paper, we reviewed previous methods to use behavioural test to evaluate the anxiety activity. A single test was used to measure only one aspect of anxiety emotionality. A battery of behavioural tests could get a comprehensive information of anxiety profile. In one single trial, open field test, elevated plus maze and light/dark box are integrated to assess different types of emotional behaviours. This new paradigm is useful for evaluating multiple dimensions of behaviours simultaneously, minimizing general concerns about previous test experience and inter-test intervals between tests. It is proposed as a promising alternative to using test battery.