We reported in our September 2015 blog, “Smooth your blues with Botox” that several studies indicated that patients with significant depression improved following Botox injections.
Recently, researchers looked at an FDA database of side effects reported by patients who received Botox for cosmetic as well as medical indications (Botox is also approved for overactive bladder, certain neurological and eye conditions, and excessive underarm sweating). In 2 separate studies, the authors looked at beneficial effects reported in the database, specifically the improvement of depression and improvement of anxiety.
They found that patients with depression and those with anxiety improved following Botox injections. This was true for patients treated for cosmetic as well as medical conditions. The mechanism(s) of action aren’t known but relief from chronic conditions that may contribute to depression and anxiety could be involved. More research, including clinical trials, is needed to verify the benefits and determine the mechanism(s) of action.
