How About Some Botox for Depression?
Now a new study has found that when Botox is injected between the eyebrows, it delivers an antidepressant effect. Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern conducted a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study that included 30 subjects (93% women in the study) with major depressive disorder. At week 12, the Botox and placebo groups crossed over. That is, those receiving Botox were instead delivered placebo; those getting placebo were then administered Botox.
The subjects who received Botox from the outset or at week 12 had a statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to those getting placebo. Interestingly, depressive symptoms continued to decline over the full 24-week period after a single Botox injection, while the anti-aging improvements had ceased at the 12–16 week mark.
What’s behind Botox’s antidepressant properties? We don’t know for sure, but it is suspected that Botox’s antidepressant effect is “cosmetically” driven, providing an esteem and image boost which in turn improves personal fulfillment. Another possibility is that positive feedback to a happier looking face received from the Botox user’s social network provides a sustainable emotional boost. A final suggestion is that the facial muscles communicate with the brain and the act of frowning adversely affects neurotransmission; whereas smiling activates nerve impulses.
This post is an excerpt from Psychopharmacology: Straight Talk on Mental Health Medications, Third Edition, by Joe Wegmann, RPh, LCSW.
Joe Wegmann, RPh, LCSW is a licensed clinical pharmacist and clinical social worker. His diverse professional background in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy affords him a unique perspective on medication management issues. Joe is well known for the practical, relevant, and insightful psychopharmacology seminars he conducts across the country.
He has written 11 books on psychiatric medication management—including the best seller Psychopharmacology: Straight Talk on Mental Health Medications, now in its fourth edition. Joe writes columns, articles, and blogs for his website www.pharmatherapist.com; as well as Psychology Today, Social Work Today, Woman’s World, and many others. Joe served as adjunct professor of psychopharmacology in the Master of Social Work program at Southern University of New Orleans for 17 years and maintains an active psychotherapy practice specializing in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Financial: Joseph Wegmann is an author for PESI Publishing and receives royalties.
Non-financial: Joseph Wegmann has no relevant nonfinancial relationship to disclose.
