The present invention provides genetic constructs and methods for producing transgenic non-human animals comprising within their genome transgenic DNA encoding GLYT1. These transgenic animals could be further used to generate transgenic animals which produce more active GLYT1. Also provided are transgenic animals producing more GLYT1 protein, as well as the methods of producing same. The invention also relates to the use of these animals as a model for analyzing the effects of depressing synaptic NMDA receptor function and studying the ability of compounds to reduce symptoms of psychotic behavior.