Everyone knows you can use Botox to treat your frown lines. But have you considered using it to fix your frowns before they form? Studies have determined that it may be possible to make Botox treat depression.
At least, to an extent. While Botox can’t cure depression or bipolar, it is capable of lifting mood. Even treating mood is a huge step towards treating these mental diseases.
A study at the Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Basel in Switzerland has looked into this unusual but beneficial cure. In the study, 30 recipients saw an upswing in their mood just six weeks after one injection. They had all been suffering from chronic clinical depression and would not have chosen Botox to improve their appearance prior to the trial. Many were actually unconcerned with their frown lines from the start.
Look good, feel good
Botox’s most obvious benefit in treating depression is confidence. Pride in the mirror improves good and positive feelings. If you look in a mirror and simply think you look cheerful, you can easily then become cheerful.
This worked for several participants in the study. Just erasing their frown lines decreased their depression by an average of 47%! Even after the lines began to return, their moods remained high.
Social benefits
As much as we may not love it, our society does judge based on appearance. In particular, what our neutral or resting faces look like. Botox treatments can take a permanent scowl and transform it into a more approachable or more neutral expression. Better social interactions–like not being judged at the store–can lead to a better mood all around.
The facial feedback hypothesis
Several studies and tests have linked facial expression directly to mood. In other words, scowling can increase your temper or make you grumpier all around.
This is called the “facial feedback hypothesis,” which goes back as far as Charles Darwin. Even frowning or smiling while looking at images can generate a negative or positive response. Many people use this in their daily lives under the tagline “Fake it till you make it!”, showing how faking a smile can eventually improve mood.
This even works subconsciously. Studies often have participants hold a pencil between their teeth without telling them why. Soon, the participants have a measurable boost in mood, just by imitating a smile.
With Botox, however, you wouldn’t have to fake it. Following the study, Botox would be injected into two primary muscles responsible for forming frowns. The Procerus muscle, at the top of the nose, pulls the brows together and causes vertical wrinkles. The Corrugator, at the edge of the eyebrow, draws the brow downward. Relaxing these muscles creates a neutral or positive expression, which can automatically lift moods.
Future treatment
Though still undergoing study, Botox is shaping up to be a surprising treatment for these severe mental diseases. For instance, Botox is currently going through clinical trials for FDA approval in treating depression.
Interested in seeing how Botox can help your mood? Call today to schedule an appointment!