How Botox® Can Help People with Depression

When we hear about Botox, most of us picture smooth, wrinkle-free skin and a rejuvenated, younger appearance. Botox is often known for smoothing out frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles, but it might do more than improve your looks. Recent research suggests that Botox could help boost your mood and even ease symptoms of depression.

What is Botox?

Botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes the muscles it’s injected into. When administered to the face, it works by relaxing the muscles responsible for causing wrinkles. With its ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the forehead, eyes and mouth, Botox has been the go-to treatment for anti-aging, facial rejuvenation and a more refreshed appearance for years. However, the benefits of Botox may go beyond this.

Research suggests that Botox could potentially have a positive impact on mental health as well. Specifically, it’s been shown to ease symptoms of depression by reducing the physical signs of stress, such as frown lines, and helping to “interrupt” negative emotional feedback loops. For many, Botox offers a way to not only enhance their appearance but also to complement and enhance the effects of other treatments, leading to a more holistic approach to emotional well-being.

The Science Behind Botox and Depression

To understand how Botox could improve mood, we need to look at the relationship between facial expressions and emotions. Charles Darwin proposed an interesting idea that the way we express emotions on our faces can actually affect how we feel. So, when you smile, you’re not just showing happiness—you’re more likely to feel happier, too. On the flip side, frowning can make you feel more down.

This concept is known as the “facial feedback hypothesis,” and it suggests that our facial expressions don’t just mirror our emotions—they can help shape them. For example, if you’re always frowning, it might make you feel more sad or frustrated. Since Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause frown lines, it can help reduce these reactions and lessen the negative emotions linked to them. Some research now considers Botox a helpful addition for depression, alongside traditional therapies like psychotherapy or antidepressant medications.

What the Research Shows About Using Botox for Depression

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research uncovered something surprising: Botox may help reduce symptoms of depression. In this study, 74 people with moderate to severe depression were given Botox injections between their eyebrows, where frown lines tend to form. The results were impressive—just six weeks later, those who received the treatment saw their depression scores drop by 47%, showing a significant improvement. These changes were measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), a well-known tool for assessing depression. This research highlights Botox’s potential as an effective treatment for people struggling with depression, especially for those who may not have responded well to traditional medications or therapies.

Is Botox Right for You

If you’re dealing with depression and considering Botox as a treatment, it’s important to talk with a mental health professional. While Botox shows promise for improving mood, it’s best used as part of a broader treatment plan. A qualified expert can help you figure out if Botox is right for you and how it might work alongside other options to support your mental health.

Originally posted 04/07/2014. Updated 1/23/2025.