Facing depression with botulinum toxin: Literature review

Abstract

Introduction

Affecting over 120 million people, major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by low mood, lack of interest and a cluster of other vegetative and cognitive symptoms causing significant distress of functioning. It has a relapsing and recurring course and frequently becomes chronic. Thus, there is a need to further develop therapeutic techniques to improve the course and the prognosis of depressive disorders. Recent clinical trials suggest that botulinum toxin (BTX) treatment may also have an antidepressant effect.

Objective

The authors aim to conduct a non-systematic review in order to understand the relationship between MDD and BTX treatment.

Aims

To assess whether current evidence supports the BTX to treat major depressive patients.

Methods

A non-systematic review of English scientific literature was conducted through research in the PubMed search engine, using the keywords “botulinum toxin” and “depression”.

Results

There is a small but growing body of evidence suggesting that botulinum toxin may be useful for the treatment of depression. The main hypothesis for the proposed beneficial effects of botulinum toxin is through the facial feedback. Low mood and depression are often associated with a sad facial expression. Injecting botulinum toxin and improving facial expression would lead to the improvement of depression symptoms.

Conclusions

Positive effects on mood have been observed in subjects who underwent treatment of glabellar frown lines with botulinum toxin. It supports the concept that the facial musculature not only expresses, but also regulates mood states.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.