Botox an unexpected key to emotional wellbeing

Disappointments are a part and parcel of life, but who knew frowning might actually cost a whole lot more than the stock market shares you lost last week?

Its no news that each of our facial expressions require multiple expansions and contractions of various muscles. Frowning is a lot more demanding than the rest of the lot in this regard. Having said that, scientists are now of the opinion that frequent frowning can actually lead to depression.

Ground-breaking Results

A recent psychiatric research was successful in conducting a controlled placebo trial which unearthed several new links between facial expressions and emotional well being in human beings. The new find emphasises that it is possible to contribute to a more positive outlook among patients by disabling facial muscles that are responsible for frowning.

Botox injections were given to 33 patients who were diagnosed with major depression, and a staggering 50% overall reduction in anxiety, frustration and sadness was noted among 17 of these patients. The effect in its totality is said to reduce depression significantly.

The Initial Research

Some experts might be quick to point out that this was just a preliminary attempt, but results of a similar European study conducted in 2012 might ironically make such critics frown. The first study too, observed that Botox treatments (which disable facial muscles) were much more effective than conventional treatments that directly address depression.

While the current study measured improvements through the Montgomery—Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the initial study conducted in 2012 utilized the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. These studies also made sure that there were no psychological influences on the actual results – patients who didn’t know about the intention of treatment exhibited favourable results as well

What Can The General Public Infer From The Findings?

Essentially, there are two clinically proven studies that support the direct link between Botox treatments and depression at present. These studies could also explain why some patients, especially women, might be addicted to Botox treatments. Could there be an addiction that is unknown to these patients? It’s hard to rule out such an hypothesis without further research.

Although scientists are in the early stages of perfecting this treatment, the future holds much promise. The good news is, we’re looking at a treatment that can effectively and instantly reduce depression. Whether such a procedure can be implemented in a larger scale, remains to be seen.