New publications
You can get rid of anxiety with Botox
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Botulinum toxin injections promote muscle relaxation in the injection area, and generally eliminate excessive anxiety and reduce the risk of developing depressive conditions.
What do we know about Botox, except that this specific drug is used to correct excessive sweating and eliminate expression wrinkles? Meanwhile, botulinum toxin is a protein neurotoxic substance that is produced by bacterial microorganisms. According to scientists, this is one of the most poisonous toxins. It blocks the release of neurotransmitters inside the synapses between neurons and myocytes, which breaks the connection between the muscles and the nervous system. Nevertheless, Botox injections are successfully used by both cosmetologists and neuropathologists - primarily to relax individual muscle groups involved in the formation of expression wrinkles, or in a state of deforming spasm.
Scientists are still studying the most likely side effects caused by the use of the drug. Such side effects as excessive muscle relaxation and inflammatory reactions are known, but most of these phenomena pass on their own within a few weeks.
In their new study, specialists representing the University of California began searching for the beneficial properties of botulinum toxin. They conducted a series of experiments, the results of which were published in two articles on the pages of Scientific Reports. According to the scientists, the neurotoxin reduces the risk of developing a depressive state and successfully eliminates anxiety.
During the work, a large database was analyzed, including information about patients who underwent a course of Botox injections and discovered certain side effects. Injections were given to these people in the face, neck, and limbs to relieve spasms. For comparison, a parallel was drawn with a second large group of patients who underwent similar treatment, but with other drugs. As a result, it was found that after Botox procedures, the level of unmotivated anxiety in people decreased by approximately 25-70%. The researchers clarify that among the participants in the project work, there were no people taking additional anxiolytics or antidepressants.
Since the injections were performed in different parts of the body, and the anti-anxiety effect was noted in almost all patients, there is no doubt about the involvement of Botox. In addition, the participants who had their spasms removed by other drugs did not have such an anti-anxiety effect. It should be understood that further studies of botulinum toxin and its effect on the human body cannot be avoided. It is quite possible that the drug will soon be actively used as a psychotropic drug.
You can read more about the study on the NATURE page