A new study of nearly 40,00 patients suggests a positive side effect of the wrinkle-easing treatment Botox is that it may also be good for mental health.
Researchers at the University of California analysed a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database of nearly 40,000 patients and found anxiety levels among people who had Botox were 20- 70% lower.
The study included both those who used the drug for cosmetic purposes to smooth out wrinkles and those who used Botox to treat migraines.
Georgetown University facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Michael Reilly told nbcwashington.com: ‘Botox effects on mental health have really come to the forefront as a positive side effect of the cosmetic treatments.’
Doctors think the mental health boost ‘has to do with our facial expressions and the part of our brain that processes emotions’ and Dr Reilly surmised: ’When you can’t furrow your brow or show the emotions of concern or fear or panic, there is likely a calming effect on the nerve pathways that feed back to your brain that then allow you to actually not feel that emotion quite as much.’
He added: ‘You’re probably only going to have the effect for as long as the Botox is functional, which is generally about three months.’
The research team also published a separate study showing patients with Botox reported feeling less depressed, compared to others who were undergoing different treatments for the same condition.
Dr Reilly concluded: ‘I think it’s going to change the lens through which a lot of us look at Botox and how people respond to it.’
Researchers added more clinical trials are needed to determine the best site and dosage to administer Botox specifically for anxiety. AMP
