Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Depression

Botulinum toxin injection is a new and evolving approach in the treatment of depression. Paralyzing muscles in the glabellar (forehead) region, which are responsible for facial expression of negative emotions, may improve symptoms of depression. A series of studies have consistently demonstrated that a single treatment of botulinum toxin in the forehead region can cause a strong and sustained improvement in mood in patients with depression. Mood lifting effects may contribute to the popularity of botulinum toxin treatment in esthetic medicine. Future clinical research may reveal if botulinum toxin can also be used to counteract the experience of negative emotions in other psychiatric disorders besides depression.