Four rhesus monkeys were reared for the first eight months of life in
total social isolation. One animal died during this period; the three
remaining subjects were treated with diazepam in an isolation chamber, in
their home cages, and in a playroom testing situation. Diazepam
significantly decreased the self-disturbance behaviors of two subjects, and
there was even the appearance of some social behaviors, although they were
limited and not of the same quality as in nonisolated subjects. The authors
discuss the implications of the data for understanding the significance of
the social isolation syndrome in monkeys as a model for human
psychoses.
Abstract Teaser