Possible role of dopamine D1-like and D2-like receptors in behavioural activation and evaluation of response efficacy in the forced swimming test

► The effects of dopamine D1 & D2 antagonists were examined in the forced swimming test. ► D1 antagonism resulted in a direct reduction of climbing, the most effortful response. ► D2 antagonism induced persistently high levels of climbing up to the end of the session. ► D1 receptors might be involved in behavioural activation and response effort allocation. ► D2 receptors might be involved in the evaluation of response efficacy.