A new study from the Cardiff University shows patients feel more depressed after treating crows' feet (laughter lines) with Botox, reports Health Canal.
Led by Cardiff University psychologist, Dr Michael Lewis it was found that Botox treatment for laughter lines result in feeling more depressed. Previous studies have shown that treatment with Botox for various facial muscles results in different levels of depression, for instance, treating frown lines results in less depression in comparison to crows' feet, says the report.
Dr. Lewis explained in his study that the impact of Botox treatment could change the whole perspective about the surroundings and the way one feels about it. Dr. Lewis said that facial expressions play a major role in emotions, "we smile because we are happy but smiling also makes us happy," he said.
He noted that after patients are treated with Botox, they are restricted from a certain facial expression, for instance, Botox treatment for frown lines limits a patient from frowning strongly. "This interrupts the feedback they would normally get from their face and they feel less sad," Dr. Lewis said.
"The new finding being reported today concerns the impact of treatments for crows' feet," Dr. Lewis said. "The muscles around the eyes are used when forming a real smile and so it was predicted that treatment of the muscles that cause these will reduce the strength of a smile. The results supported this prediction."
Dr. Lewis further noted that rather than treating facial lines with Botox, similar drugs should be developed to reduce the side-effects of such treatments and effectively fulfill the need of a person. Other effects of Botox treatments also include symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) where patients feel heightened disgust. Such symptoms can be reduced with the development of different treatments with fewer effects on emotions.
The study was presented at the British Psychological Society's Annual Conference April 11.
