Treatment of depression with botulinum toxin A: a case series.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of depression treated with botulinum toxin A.
Finzi
Eric
E
Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Associates, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA. efinzi@starpower.net
Wasserman
Erika
E
D000328:Adult; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D005149:Facial Expression; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A