While people from all different ages, ethnic backgrounds, and walks of life use Botox treatments for a variety of different reasons — not just as deep wrinkle treatments — the stereotypical image of the average Botox user is an aging, D-list Hollywood celebrity whose 15 minutes of fame have long since been up.
While it’s true that many celebrities, musicians, and socialites, use Botox to achieve a younger appearance or extend their 15 minutes of fame, the average Botox user may not be the vain image you have in mind. Botox is known for being one of the best wrinkle treatments of all time, however, it’s also used to treat a variety of different conditions such as migraine headaches, hyperhidrosis, overactive bladder, and now, depression.
This means that Botox treatments may literally be able to turn a frown upside down, and not just because it’s relaxing the facial muscles that cause wrinkles.
A team of researches lead by Dr. Ajay Parsaik of the University of Texas set out to find an answer. They relentless scoured through medical databases for studies that linked Botox to alleviating symptoms of depression. After collecting 639 articles, the researchers were able to find five studies sufficient for systematic review and three that would be included meta analysis. Despite finding limited data, the research team still managed to find rather impressive data of Botox’s positive effects on mental well being.
Based on their findings, it was determined that eight times as many patients who received Botox injections saw improvement compared to those who did not. In fact, Botox patients showed an average of a 9.8 decrease in their depression test results. Furthermore, the rate of remission — or when depression symptoms entirely disappear — was an average of 4.6 times higher among Botox patients.
But how does that even work?
A team of Swiss and German researches believe Botox treatments may work in similar way to passive and uninterrupted relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing. After seeing a physical improvement in one’s facial features and receiving compliments from others, patients are likely to experience a boost in confidence and self esteem that can alleviate depression.