Can Botox Be Used to Treat Depression?

What is depression? 

Depression is a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which stops people from doing their normal activities. Depression is a very common condition. The World Health Organization estimates more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression, with 40 million people in the U.S. People with depression suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. 

There are many effective antidepressant medications available, but some may cause some unwanted side-effects. A combination of medication and therapy are the most prefered way to treat depression. But what if there were something else. 

New research suggests that Botox may be an effective treatment for depression. Botox, as many of us know, is a substance that temporarily paralyzes the muscle and is primarily used as a cosmetic procedure to treat wrinkles. Research shows that botox may be used alongside antidepressants to be an effective treatment option for depression 

Why does this work? 

So, how does this work? Facial expressions send certain feedback to the brain. Emotions like fear, sadness, or anger can result in the contraction of muscles in the forehead that cause the glabella frown lines. In people who are depressed, activity of the muscles that cause these frowns is increased. Blocking these frowning muscles with Botox may result in improved mood.

A study in 2006 was done with 10 participants who all suffer from depression. They were all given a Botox injection in their glabella frown lines. 2 months after the injection, 9 of the participants no longer had depression symptoms. While the 10th participant still had some symptoms, they reported an improved mood. 

  •  If you currently take medications for depression, don’t abruptly stop taking them if you decide to try Botox.

Although Botox isn’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat depression, it is a great option to add alongside antidepressants. 


If you are a medical professional and are looking to perform this service, contacts us at (435) 922-8330 to learn more about our trainings.