Effects of lithium and carbamazepine on spatial learning and depressive behavior in a rat model of bipolar disorder induced by ouabain

► Ouabain impaired the spatial performance but did not affect depressive behavior. ► LiCl decreased the latency and the total distance but not the velocity in water maze. ► LiCl did not result in changes of any depressive behavior. ► CBZ did not affect all behavioral indices of spatial learning and depression. ► Lithium is a better treatment than CBZ for ouabain-caused bipolar disorder.