Put On a Happy Face: Botulinum Toxin for Depression?

This small, controlled study suggests that paralysis of the “frowning” muscle might be effective.

Several classic studies demonstrate that activation of specific facial muscles (e.g., clenching a pencil between one's teeth to activate the smiling muscles) can alter mood. These researchers examined whether clinical improvement is associated with decreased depressive facial expression through the use of botulinum toxin type A in the glabellar region.

Inclusion criteria were ongoing major depressive disorder, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score of 15 or higher, and a moderate-to-severe vertical glabellar line during maximum frowning. Patients were taking one or two antidepressants or had not responded to at least one previous antidepressant. The investigators assessed 263 patients for eligibility and accepted 30 (23 women; ave…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Put On a Happy Face: Botulinum Toxin for Depression?

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Reviewing Author