Study Finds Connection Between Botulinum Toxin and Reduced Anxiety
Botulinum toxin (BoNT), most commonly known for its cosmetic use in wrinkle reduction, has shown promising results in reducing anxiety levels, particularly in specific patient populations. This emerging therapeutic use of BoNT is a departure from its traditional role, but research suggests that it could have significant implications for mental health.
In a study led by Dr. Ruben Abagyan, a professor of pharmacy at the University of California San Diego, BoNT's beneficial effects on anxiety were investigated. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, analysed data from the FDA's Adverse Effect Reporting System (FAERS) database.
Unlike its cosmetic application where BoNT is injected to relax facial muscles and reduce wrinkles, newer research demonstrates that BoNT injections can improve mood and anxiety symptoms. This has been observed in clinical populations such as those with cervical dystonia, migraine, depression, and hemifacial spasm, with studies reporting immediate mood improvements measured by standardized anxiety scales like BAI, HAMA, and STAI at peak toxin effect (typically 4-6 weeks post-injection).
For instance, low-dose BoNT applied to acupuncture points has effectively alleviated anxiety alongside migraine and vestibular symptoms. Furthermore, a 2021 meta-analysis indicates potential antidepressant effects of BoNT, linked to facial feedback mechanisms and neurobiological pathways, although evidence varies, and further research is needed.
While the cosmetic role of BoNT involves peripheral muscle paralysis for wrinkle reduction, its emerging therapeutic use in anxiety relates to modulating neural or neuroinflammatory mechanisms reflected in mood improvements. The mood and anxiety benefits tend to be short-term and manifest during peak toxin activity, differing in purpose, dosing, and injection sites from the cosmetic treatment.
Botulinum Toxin is an FDA-cleared anti-wrinkle treatment, specifically used for smoothing lines formed due to repetitive facial expressions. It can be combined with other injectables and aesthetic treatments, depending on the needs of the patients.
The procedure for BoNT injections can take less than 30 minutes, and it is a versatile drug FDA-approved for various therapeutic indications, including chronic migraine, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, spasticity, hyperhidrosis, and others.
For those interested in exploring BoNT for cosmetic purposes or to alleviate anxiety symptoms, Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore offer consultations with an aesthetic doctor. The clinic can be contacted at 65-6801-4000, on their website, or at 9 Scotts Road Pacific Plaza, Scotts Medical Center #08-07, Singapore - 228210.
The study found that the reported anxiety risk was 22 to 72 percent lower in patients who received BoNT at four injection sites for various conditions. Botulinum Toxin can potentially be used to treat other chronic conditions that contribute to anxiety. As research continues, the mechanisms and optimal protocols for mental health indications are being further explored.
[1] Abagyan, R. A., et al. (2021). Botulinum Toxin and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-14. [2] Abad, J. M., et al. (2020). Botulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Migraine and Vestibular Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Neurology, 267(9), 2193-2204. [3] Hwang, S. H., et al. (2019). Botulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 80(11), 13936-13945. [4] Blumenfeld, A., et al. (2020). Botulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 267, 310-318.
- The study led by Dr. Ruben Abagyan, in collaboration with Scientific Reports, revealed that Botulinum Toxin (BoNT) injections may not only alleviate symptoms of conditions like cervical dystonia, migraine, and depression but also improve mood and anxiety symptoms.
- Research indicates that BoNT, traditionally known for its cosmetic use in wrinkle reduction, could have significant implications for health-and-wellness and mental-health, with potential antidepressant effects and mood improvements in anxiety-related conditions.
