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Botox is a substance derived from botulinum toxin A that temporarily paralyzes muscles.
You’re probably familiar with its use in cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, it’s also been found to help with excessive sweating, migraines, and muscle spasms.
New research suggests that Botox may be an effective treatment for depression. Depression is a common mental health condition marked by ongoing feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Many people use a combination of antidepressant medications and therapy to help manage their symptoms.
However, some people can experience uncomfortable side effects from antidepressants. Often, they have to try a few different antidepressants before finding one that works well for them.
While the results of these studies are promising, researchers are still trying to figure out exactly how Botox treats depression.
Initially, they thought the antidepressant effects of Botox might be related to improved appearance. Having fewer wrinkles, they hypothesized, might improve someone’s mood.
However, a 2016 review of the earlier studies found that the severity of a person’s frown lines didn’t impact their results. For example, people with very few frown lines still reported similar results. This suggests that improved appearance isn’t a factor.
A more likely explanation of the benefits of Botox for depression has to do with a “facial feedback” mechanism. Facial expressions send certain feedback to the brain. Emotions like fear, sadness, or anger can result in the contraction of muscles in the forehead that causes the glabellar frown lines.
In people who are depressed, the activity of the muscles that cause these frowns is increased. Blocking these frowning muscles with Botox may result in improved moo
Klarity is a mental wellness clinic with 2 convenient locations in Castleton and Greenwood, Indiana that specializes in providing a variety of innovative, safe and effective treatment options for treatment-resistant depression and other mood disorders. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Melissa Reed MD is dedicated to helping patients find lasting relief from their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
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