Botox and Depression on Aug3 2009
Topic: Uncategorized
Yet another problem Botox may be able to solve.
Along with wrinkles, spasticity and hyperhidrosis, researchers have found that Botox may now be able to treat depression. How you ask? Studies have shown that by assuming a negative expression, such as a frown, can induce negative feelings in the individual with the expression (the theory is known as facial feedback hypothesis.) Botox would be injected in the facial muscles that are responsible for forming the frown, preventing the patient from frowning. By doing this, an improvement in mood may result. Test subjects suffer from depression unrelated to their facial wrinkles.
Psychiatrist Marc Axel Wollmer is leading the trials, currently being performed at Switzerland’s Basle University, Switzerland, and Germany’s Hanover University.