Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying a modulator of glucocorticoid receptor activity. In one embodiment, the methods include the steps of (a) contacting neuron-like cells, in vitro, with a chemical agent; (b) measuring the expression of a member, or group of members, of a group of genes (as defined herein) in the neuron-like cells contacted with the chemical agent; and (c) determining whether the chemical agent significantly alters the expression of the member, or group of members, of the group of genes, thereby determining whether the chemical agent is likely to be a modulator of glucocorticoid receptor activity. In another embodiment, an in vivo method for identifying a modulator of glucocorticoid receptor activity is provided.