Can Botox Cure Depression?

KLTV 7 Tyler-Longview-Jacksonville, TX: Can Botox Cure Depression?: "Can Botox Cure Depression?

There may be more than just cosmetic benefits to using the drug best-known for smoothing wrinkles.

A new study has found that Botox may cure severe depression, and other studies have found the toxin can be used to fight Parkinson's disease, control bladder problems, and treat prostate cancer.

According to a paper published last week in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, a small pilot study conducted by Dr. Eric Finzi found nine of 10 depressed patients recovered from their depressive symptoms after getting Botox injections between the eyebrows - nearly twice the success rate of anti-depressants. Finzi has since expanded his study to 15 patients.

'The 14 of 15 actually went from being depressed to no longer being depressed,' said Finzi, a medical director and president of Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center in Chevy Chase, Md., and Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Greenbelt, Md.

Finzi said he was testing the theory that Botox makes you stop scowling, which directly relieves your depression as feedback from facial muscles regulates the brain. "