Botox: Treating Depression and Wrinkles at the Same Time

Botox: Treating Depression and Wrinkles at the Same Time

Botox to fight depression? In a recent randomized, controlled study, patients suffering from major depressive disorder and who had not responded well to antidepressants were given a single dose of OnabotulinumtoxinA, also known as Botox (five injections). The control group was given placebo injections. Of the group that received Botox, 47% reported improvement in their depressive symptoms. This improvement lasted through the 16-weeks of the study.

The scientists who authored the study feel that the treatment may interrupt the feedback the brain receives from our facial musculature, which might cause the “development and maintenance of negative emotions.” Facial muscles are important to us for the purposes of identifying and feeling emotions. These muscles are not just to communicate with others, but also with ourselves. In other words, our own facial expressions seem to affect our moods.

What does this mean for people with depression? Right now, not much, because this treatment is still in the experimental phase, therefore insurance does not cover it. More study is needed. Nevertheless, it does hold promise.

There are side effects to Botox, the most notable one being the complaint that users cannot show emotion. In one interview a participant said, she noticed that her forehead was very smooth and personally, she found that quite pleasant.

Other side effects include pain and bruising at the injection sites, headache, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth and eyes, ringing in the ears, and eyelid swelling. There are more serious side effects to be aware of: trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing, drooping eyelids, severe muscle weakness in other areas of the body that did not receive the injections, loss of bladder control, severe skin rash, fast, slow, or uneven heartbeats, chest pain. (If any of these occur, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room).

While we wait for further studies on Botox as a treatment for depression and perhaps FDA approval for this off-label use, we know that there are many, very effective treatments we can use.

If you have symptoms of depression, don’t wait to see your doctor. Seek help now. Some of the symptoms of depression are: feeling helpless and hopeless, loss of interest in things that formerly held your interest, weight changes for no apparent reason, insomnia or hypersomnia, loss of energy, self-loathing, and even reckless behavior.

Depression can abate, but frequently returns with a vengeance. If depression is left untreated, it can lead to suicide.

In the meantime, we wait with bated breath with the hope that we can treat depression and wrinkles at the same time.

Source: http://www.modvive.com

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Wrinkle Softening Techniques: What Are Thery?

Wrinkle Softening Techniques: What Are Thery?

Wrinkles mainly happen on the parts of the body that get the most sun exposure, including the face, neck, the backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms. Wrinkles fall into two categories: fine, surface lines and deeper furrows. If your wrinkles bother you, or if you're looking to prevent them in the first place, you have options.

Wrinkle Softening Techniques:
There are several ways to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and even remove them.

Retinoids (tretinoin, Retin-A, Renova): Among medical treatments, this is by far the most proven and effective way of bettering signs of aging such as uneven pigmentation, roughness, and wrinkling. At first, these medications cause redness and peeling. Although this can be unpleasant, improvement comes once the peeling stops.
   
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids: These are the so-called "fruit acids" and include glycolic and lactic acid. Preparations containing these fruit acids are quite safe and cause no more than mild and temporary irritation. The improvement they produce is, however, relatively subtle.
   
Antioxidants: These include vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene. Products that have antioxidants may provide some sun protection (though you should still wear sunscreen) and mildly improve wrinkles.
   

 
Moisturizers: These may temporarily make wrinkles look less noticeable. Ads often say that they "reduce the appearance of fine lines." But they don't make those lines go away permanently.
   
Glycolic acid peels: These superficial peels can make a very slight difference in the intensity of fine wrinkles.
   
Deeper Peels:  These peels use ingredients like salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid and penetrate somewhat deeper into the skin. These deeper peels do a better job of smoothing fine lines. In general, however, the deeper the peel, the greater the chance of side effects, such as scarring and changes in skin color. Such peels can be uncomfortable, so ask ahead of time what to expect.
   
Dermabrasion: This procedure "sands" the skin. Depending a great deal on the skill and experience of the professional who does it, dermabrasion can make a big difference. Side effects, including scarring and permanent changes in skin color, are also possible.
   
Laser Resurfacing: Doctors can use lasers to stimulate the skin's production of collagen, which plumps up skin. There are different types of lasers, and you should ask your doctor about how many treatments you'll need, how much "down time" you'll need for your skin to heal, and any risks.
   
Plastic Surgery: Face-lifts, brow lifts, and other cosmetic surgeries help some people. For others, more minor procedures are enough. Talk it over with your doctor before you decide what, if any, procedure you want to do.
   
Injections:  Some injections, including Botox, relax muscles that produce the "frown lines" on the forehead, fine lines around the eyes, and other wrinkles. Improvement lasts several months and must be repeated to sustain improvement. Others are wrinkle fillers. You should only get injections from a doctor.

If you're thinking about getting a cosmetic procedure done, consult experienced doctors. Tell them your goals and ask about risks, benefits, and costs.

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