Botox Injections May Cause Depression, Suggests a Study

A new study has found that the famous cosmetic anti-wrinkle treatment Botox injections could indirectly trigger depression.

Botox injections given to eliminate crows' feet around the eyes makes one look younger but it prevents the smile from spreading beyond the mouth.

Dr Michael Lewis, a psychologist at Cardiff University explains that the facial expressions are also responsible for the emotions we feel. We smile when we are happy conversely smiling makes us feel happy. Botox injections, which work by freezing the muscles, prevent the signals, which make us happy while smiling, from being sent to the brain. This in turn may cause depression.

Twenty-five women who had Botox injections for frown lines or crows' feet, or facial fillers were asked to answer questionnaires, rating their symptoms for depression. It was found that women who had their crows' feet treated had 50% higher depression level than those treated for frown lines.

Researchers insist that people should respect and celebrate their emotional expressions as changing expressions could change the feelings.

From a previous study, it is known that treating frown lines can reduce anger and make one feel happy. Hence, Dr Michael has planned to explore the possibility of using Botox to treat obsessive compulsive disorder.

Source: Medindia