Depression can be debilitating. It can make you feel as though you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Depression medication can help, but there may be another option – can Botox help with depression?
How Can Botox help with depression?
Studies have shown people can improve their mood if they just change their facial expressions. For example, if you smile (even if you don’t feel like doing it), it can actually make you feel happier. There’s also research indicating that laughing can fight depression, so the more you laugh, the better you will feel.
Instead of changing your facial expressions, what if you just couldn’t make certain ones? What if you couldn’t frown as much as you do now? Well, that’s how BOTOX is working to help people suffering with depression.
According to Professor Tillman Kruger, “Our emotions are expressed by facial muscles, which in turn send feedback signals to the brain to reinforce those emotions. Treating facial muscles with botulinum toxin interrupts this cycle.”
A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research included 74 participants. Each of them were given either onabotulinumtoxinA (OBA) or a placebo. Those that received OBA reported their depression systems decreased by 47% after six weeks.
Researchers from the study attribute the decrease in symptoms to Charles Darwin and William James. They were the first to suggest a connection between facial expressions and mood, which is what prompted them to do this study using OBA.
BOTOX and other wrinkle treatments temporarily paralyze facial muscles, which is what keeps them from making certain facial expressions. Some people don’t want that to happen because they feel as though it makes them look expressionless. The good news is that this only happens if BOTOX is used incorrectly. A professional knows how and where to place the toxin to prevent complete loss of facial expressions.
Those Who Don’t Suffer from Depression
You don’t have to suffer from depression to benefit from BOTOX. If you feel sad about the signs of aging that are showing up, consider wrinkle injections. Treatment may be just what you need to start smiling more and feeling happy about your appearance.
Find Out More About BOTOX
If you suffer from depression, do not discontinue your medications in lieu of wrinkle injections. Always consult with your prescribing doctor before making any changes to your medication routine. BOTOX can usually be used in conjunction with anti-depressants.
For BOTOX injections in NYC or Long Island, contact James Christian, RPA-C for a free consultation. During your appointment, you will learn more about this highly effective wrinkle treatment as well as other options that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Contact James Christian today for a consultation or to schedule your first treatment. We proudly serve communities in Suffolk County and beyond including Islip, Manhattan, Commack, Queens, Brooklyn, Rockville Centre, Babylon Village, Huntington Bay, West Hampton, and East Setauket.
Sources & Notes:
http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20140619/botox-depression
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140401102241.htm
*Information in this article is not medical advice and may not be factually accurate. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post and to get the most up to date factual data about any procedure or treatment.
