The BEST NEWS you may have heard in A WHILE...
Many of us are very familiar with that wonderful feeling you get when your Botox kicks in. The softening of those “11s” between our brows make us look happier and well rested, giving us a confidence boost. While it’s no secret that looking better can make us feel better, there may be something more going on with the effects of Botox that may further benefit our overall wellness.
Earlier this year, Time Magazine featured a cover story on the wider uses of Botox aptly titled “The Drug That’s Treating Everything.” In addition to treating facial muscles, Botox can also remedy a number of health issues such as migraine headaches, excessive sweating, abnormal heartbeat, and TMJ. As Botox gains the interest and support of neurologists and cardiologists, it may surprise you that psychiatrists are beginning to follow suit.
It may seem evident that a specific mood can trigger certain physiological events like a smile or frown. However, time tested theories suggest the opposite, where physiological stimuli can actually trigger certain moods. The concept of facial feedback dates all the way back to Charles Darwin in 1872 who observed a link between negative facial muscle movements (frowning) and negative emotions (distress and depression). Williams James and Carl Lange also argued that physiology affects mood, now known as the James-Lange theory.
In the largest study on the correlation between Botox and mood, researchers Eric Finzi, MD, PhD, and Norman E. Rosenthal, MD, explain that this correlation relates to the facial feedback hypothesis. The study by Finzi and Rosenthal involved treating participants with Botox injections to the corrugator muscles and assessing depression levels. The results showed that there were significant antidepressant effects seen in the patients treated with Botox when compared to a placebo in a randomized-controlled study.
Botox/Dysport is not yet FDA approved for treatment of depression. However, Allergan, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Botox, is currently in Phase II of a clinical research study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of Botox to treat Major Depressive Disorder. Here at Alchemy Marin, our most commonly treated area for wrinkle relaxation with Botox/Dysport is glabellar lines or frown lines. To relax these lines, the procerus and corrugator muscles are injected, inhibiting our ability to frown. We have had several patients come in requesting Botox/Dysport injections to the glabella area to help with depression and anxiety and we have heard great feedback so far!
Still on the fence about giving Botox a try? Call to schedule a free consultation where myself or one of our other amazing nurses will help you create a custom treatment plan based on your needs!
-Written by RN BSN Alchemist :: Valerie Delucchi
References
Brennan, C., RN, CPSN, CANS, CPC. (2016). Botulinum Toxin Type-A (BoNT-A) Injections of the Corrugator Muscles for Aesthetics and Depression? Plastic Surgical Nursing,36(4), 167-169.
Finzi, E., MD, PhD, & Rosenthal, N. E., MD. (2017). Botox for Depression Research. Retrieved from http://www.botoxfordepression.com/
Sifferlin, A. (2017, January 16). The Drug That's Treating Everything. Time, 39-44.