Botox Effects Depression and Other Medical Conditions
Botox for Depression
Some patients who have undergone wrinkle reduction by utilizing Botox complain that their face does not show emotion and that their appearance is almost mannequin like. Interesting enough this may be a positive benefit for some people suffering from treatment-resistant depression. A randomized, controlled study on the effect of Botox (botulinum toxin) on depression was conducted at the University of Basel in Switzerland. Researchers investigated whether patients with major depressive disorder who had not responded to antidepressant medications could benefit from Botox injection.
Botox Study Application
As a controlled study one treatment group of participants received a single dose (consisting of five injections) of botulinum toxin. These injections were administered to the area of the face between and just above the eyebrows. The control group was given placebo injections in the same areas
Overview of Results of Botox use for treatment resistant depression
A study authored by M. Axel Wollmer a Swiss psychiatrist demonstrated some positive effects of Botox on depression. The University of Basel research demonstrated that the depressive symptoms in the treatment group were reduced by 47 percent after six week. This improvement remained consistent throughout the 16-week study period. The placebo group’s reduction in symptoms was only 9 percent. The findings appeared in May in the Journal of Psychiatric Research.
Wollmer, a psychiatrist theorizes the treatment “interrupts feedback from the facial musculature to the brain. This feedback may be involved in the development and maintenance of negative emotions.”
Additionally, previous studies demonstrated that Botox impairs people’s ability to identify others’ feelings. Wollmer’s study’s findings adds more evidence that the facial muscles are instrumental for identifying and experiencing emotions, as well as, communicating them.
Botox being used in other medical treatments
• Henry Winkler is endorses Botox to improve Upper Limb Spasticity• A sBritish medical journal study Botox can have a positive effect on incontinence caused by overactive bladder syndrome.
• Botox is now used for tooth grinding or clenching (bruxism)TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), and even excess salivation.
• Botox is demonstrated to be helpful for migraine headaches. Research showed that during a migraine attack, the muscles in the forehead, temples and the back of the head contract.
• The FDA approved Botox in 1980 for use in the syndromes of blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking) and strabismus (lazy eye).
• Botox is used for the treatment of excessive perspiration.
• Restless Leg Syndrome can be helped with Botox.
• Botox is also being used for cervical dystonia a type of neck spasm.
• Botox is now being researched for possible treatment of sthma and obesity.