Can Botulinum Toxin Beat The Blues?
A2 Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Magazine|Winter 2017 - Issue 22

DR ALISTAIR MCALPINE reports on how the use of botulinum toxin injectables may assist in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Dr Alistair McAlpine
Can Botulinum Toxin Beat The Blues?

We live in a very exciting era where the ‘evolution’ of an already established treatment for a certain condition allows for a completely new and innovative approach to the management of a chronic ailment, which has potential life-altering implications. 

The use of botulinum toxin for depression and anxiety is a new and innovative treatment that has shown to aid significantly with the treatment and management of this debilitating chronic condition. Yes, you did read that correctly. Botulinum toxin, which is normally used for aesthetic concerns (namely for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles), is now a recognised treatment for depression and anxiety, and has shown to be a valuable addition to the treatment of this life-altering condition.

The concept 

The use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of depression has been based on two theories. The first theory relies on the concept of ‘facial feedback’, originally formulated by Charles Darwin, which states that facial movement can influence emotional experience. An example of this would be an individual who is forced to smile during a social event will inevitably come to find the event more of an enjoyable experience. 

This story is from the Winter 2017 - Issue 22 edition of A2 Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Magazine.

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This story is from the Winter 2017 - Issue 22 edition of A2 Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Magazine.

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