Hyper-popular in aesthetic medicine to reduce facial wrinkles, Botox® could have other uses: thus, according to a recent study published by University California, San Diego (in the United States), botulinum toxin injections may also help reduce symptoms of depression …
Science fiction? Not at all, answer the American researchers who have worked on 40,000 medical reports of side effects occurring in patients who have benefited from Botox® injections. They found that patients treated with botulinum toxin (mainly for cosmetic reasons) had, on average, a 40% to 80% lower risk of developing depression.
Botox would be effective against symptoms of depression
How to explain this surprising “side effect” to say the least? “We believe that reducing forehead wrinkles could “block” a mechanism that strengthens negative emotions.“The scientists explain. Another possible hypothesis: botulinum toxin could be transported to the central nervous system and act directly on the areas responsible for mood and emotions.”Further research is obviously necessary“the researchers conclude.
Depression is a widespread illness sinceInserm estimates that 1 in 5 French people will suffer from it during their lifetime. At present, this pathology is treated with the help of drugs (these are the famous antidepressants) and psychotherapies (cognitive and behavioral therapies, for example, give good results). According to Inserm, the treatments are effective in around 70% of cases … provided that the depression is taken care of as soon as possible!
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