Botox Appears to Ease Depression Symptoms

By John M Grohol PsyD
May 25, 2006

This is fascinating finding, because, as the article suggests, perhaps it is the physical act of smiling (or being able to smile) that can change one’s mood as readily as any antidepressant. Smile more and your mood will improve naturally.

Therapists have long encouraged their clients to do things that didn’t feel natural. For instance, if a person has depression and that person is in therapy, the therapist may suggest doing one physical activity per day (such as taking a walk). Someone who is depressed rarely feels up to or wants to take a walk. Those who do report feeling slightly better (beginning a cumulative treatment effect toward recovery). Those who don’t remain stuck in their depressed feelings.

Smiling isn’t much of a physical exertion, so the facial expression itself might be contributing to the improvement in mood. Or, it could be something else entirely (for instance, a previously undocumented side effect of the Botox itself).

Obviously people shouldn’t rush out and get Botox injections for their depression, nor should one justify the use of Botox because of this.

In 2004, her physician injected five shots of the toxin into the muscles between Delano’s eyebrows so that the Glenn Dale woman could no longer wrinkle her brow. Eight weeks later, according to a unusual study published this month, her depression had lifted.

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues, and the intersection of technology and psychology since 1992.