Neurotoxins: Expanding Uses of Neuromodulators in Medicine--Major Depressive Disorder.

[BACKGROUND] Botulinum toxin A (BTA) is one of the most diversely used medications of the 21st century and is now being researched as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).

[METHODS] The authors performed a literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. The primary investigators of the studies were contacted for additional unpublished data.

[RESULTS] The authors identified 5 studies that met the criteria of using BTA in the treatment of MDD. All studies showed significant reduction in depressive symptoms with BTA injected into the glabellar muscles. In a pooled analysis, botulinum toxin (n=59) vs placebo (n=75) had a -47% vs -16% reduction in self-rated depression scores (P<0.0001) and a -46% vs -15% reduction in expert-rated depression scores (P<0.0001), respectively. Adverse reactions were mild (temporary headaches and local irritation immediately after injection) and did not differ between active group (13.6%) and placebo group (9.3%) (P=0.44).

[CONCLUSIONS] Botulinum toxin injections in the glabellar frown muscles have been associated with a significant improvement in depressive symptoms. Given the prevalence of MDD, the promising results of preliminary trials, and the excellent tolerability of this treatment intervention, larger studies are warranted.