Posted by gardenergirl on May 26, 2006, at 0:13:12
In reply to Re: Botox for depression? Bizarre..., posted by Phillipa on May 25, 2006, at 20:07:01
I don't necessarily buy this, but there have been some studies which show that using the muscles required to smile, whether someone intends to smile or not, can improve mood. One way this was shown, which is part of what's questionable imo, is to have someone hold a pencil between their teeth. This uses the same muscles as smiling, and the person often reports an improved mood after a short time. Of course, this might be because it's a really silly thing to do and not because of the muscles.
So to take it to Botox, preventing frowning and perhaps "forcing" smiling might have a similar effect if the smiling muscles are stimulated.
Again, I'm not sure I buy it.
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:648251
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060525/msgs/648678.html