Could this be true? Could Botox actually help fight one of modern society’s most common mental disorders?

Researchers at the University of Cardiff have found that Botox helped to improve the mood of 12 out of 25 participants who underwent cosmetic treatments for wrinkles. The other 13 had injectable fillers or other types of cosmetic treatments. An improvement in mood was shown about 2 weeks after treatment, when all of the study’s participants completed a questionnaire regarding their overall mood. The participants who received Botox were less depressed and anxious. This is believed to be a result of the participants’ inability to form certain negative facial expressions, particularly frowning. However, since Botox achieves only temporary results, the improvement in mood may also last only temporarily.

The findings are important since they may be able to assist in developing new treatments for depression (with the added benefit of rejuvenating the patient’s face!) The traditional form of treatment is generally medication and therapy.

Depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by a depressed state of being, lack of interest, sleeplessness, irritability and low self esteem. Severe forms of depression, when left untreated, can lead to suicide. The World Health Organization estimates that about 121 million people are affected by the disability worldwide.