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Treatment of Depression with Botulinum Toxin A: A Case Series
Article first published online: 12 MAY 2006
DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32136.x
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How to Cite
FINZI, E. and WASSERMAN, E. (2006), Treatment of Depression with Botulinum Toxin A: A Case Series. Dermatologic Surgery, 32: 645–650. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32136.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 12 MAY 2006
- Article first published online: 12 MAY 2006
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BACKGROUND Major depression is a common and serious disease that may be resistant to routine pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment approaches.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin A treatment of glabellar frown lines in treating patients with major depression, using a small open pilot trial.
METHODS Patients who met DSM-IV criteria for ongoing major depression in spite of pharmacologic or psychotherapeutic treatment were evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) before receiving botulinum toxin A to their glabellar frown lines. Two months later, all patients were re-evaluated clinically and with the BDI-II.
RESULTS Ten depressed patients were treated with botulinum toxin A, and 9 of 10 patients were no longer depressed 2 months after treatment. The tenth patient had an improvement in mood.
CONCLUSION To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of depression treated with botulinum toxin A.