EFFECT OF BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A ON DEPRESSION: CLINICAL EVIDENCE AND POSSIBLE NEUROBIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66104/2a6v1q80Keywords:
botulinum toxin; depression; major depressive disorder; facial feedback; glabellar region.Abstract
Depression is a highly prevalent psychiatric condition with significant functional impact, and response to conventional treatments is not always satisfactory. In this context, botulinum toxin type A has been investigated as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy in the management of depression. The aim of this narrative review was to analyze the clinical evidence and possible neurobiological mechanisms related to the use of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of depression. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases, prioritizing studies published over the last ten years. The findings indicate that the application of the toxin, especially in the glabellar region, is associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms, possibly related to the modulation of facial expressions of negative emotions and the facial feedback theory. It is concluded that botulinum toxin type A shows potential as an adjuvant therapy; however, further research is required to consolidate its efficacy and clinical applicability.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Antônio Marcolino Ferreira Segundo, Me. Maurício de Sousa Carvalho Reis, Lilian Abreu Sousa Lopes, Dra. Ludmila Tolstenko Nogueira, Aniele Carvalho Lacerda , Dra. Luciana Tolstenko Nogueira, Kerolayny Lessa de Carvalho Lopes, Maria Eduarda Mousinho Silva Rodrigues
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