When you think about Botox, the first thing that comes to mind is wrinkles. Botox injections can smooth wrinkles on your face, giving you noticeably younger skin. But new research suggests that Botox has another surprising use: it can reduce depressio
## Botox For Depression
Depression is a common mental health concern affecting millions of Americans. Symptoms include ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Common treatment options for depression include therapy, medications, or a combination of both. 

But there’s a new treatment option for depression. Botox can reduce the symptoms of depression and improve mood.
## What Does the Research Say?
A study from 2012 took a closer look at how Botox can treat depression. The study included 30 people who all had symptoms of depression and who were taking antidepressants to manage their symptoms. Half the participants received Botox injections. The other half also got injections, but the injection was just a placebo saline solution that didn’t have any Botox. 

Each participant received an injection in their frown lines, the furrows between the eyebrows that get deeper when frowning.

Here’s what they found. After 16 weeks, the participants who receive a Botox injection had fewer symptoms of depression. On average, their symptoms were reduced by 47.1%. Over the same 16 weeks, the placebo group only had a 9.3% reduction in depressive symptoms.
## How Long Does It Last?
Researchers wanted to know just how long the effects would last. A 2014 study also used 30 participants, and just like the first study, they found that Botox had a significant effect. Participants who received a Botox injection had decreased depression symptoms. The study ended 24 weeks after the injection. Even 24 weeks later, participants had fewer depressive symptoms. 

Cosmetic Botox treatments usually last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. So it’s remarkable that even after 6 months, Botox was still reducing depression symptoms.  
## How Does it Work?
These studies show that Botox can treat depression. But what researchers still don’t know is why it works. Right now, researchers hypothesize that it has something to do with our “facial feedback” mechanism. The facial feedback hypothesis is that your facial expression has an impact on your mood. For example, if you’re feeling upset, angry, or sad, the muscles between your brows contract, forcing your face into a frown. Your face automatically registers this emotion, even if you don’t tell your face to move. But the facial feedback mechanism works both ways. If you make yourself smile, you can change your mood even if you’re feeling upset.

Botox for depression might use this mechanism. Botox can prevent muscle movement between your eyebrows. This may send a message to the brain that you’re in a good mood since these muscles are usually relaxed when you’re smiling. 
## The Benefits of Botox
Botox isn’t just for wrinkles. Botox has FDA approval to treat a number of other health concerns, including:
Chronic migraines
Excessive underarm sweating
Overactive bladder
Neck spasms
Arm spasticity, including muscle spasms and stiff muscles

Botox for depression doesn’t have FDA approval just yet, but ongoing research is showing just how effective Botox can be.
## Botox Between Your Brows
Are you ready to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face? Start with your frown lines and soften the furrows between your brows. You’ll enjoy smoother skin, and it may even improve your mood. 

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