Depression and Botox: Clinical Research Trials Show Promise

ALPHARETTA, Ga. - May 31, 2016 - PRLog -- Although depression is one of the most common mental health issues in the United States, there is still no single answer to treating the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 1 in 10 adults report having depression, with 70% more women than men likely to experience it at some point in their lives.

Physicians and the general public are more in tune to recognizing the disease but how to effectively treat it can still be puzzling. That's where research plays an important role. Pharmaceutical companies are collaborating with universities and clinical research centers to look at a number of new and innovative treatments for depression. One recent and unique approach includes the use of Botox. To help pinpoint better treatment options, a local Atlanta medical research facility, the Institute for Advanced Medical Research, is currently seeking female participants ages 18-65 to participate in a medical research trial for this program.

"We have so much to learn about treating depression," said Dr. Angelo Sambunaris, Medical Director of the Institute. "Although we have a number of approved antidepressants available to us as clinicians we are still in search of better treatments, either stronger, better tolerated or that work faster. This study represents a potential new option. Simply put, Botox works by relaxing muscles. It was thought that by using Botox to relax frown muscles that someone's mood might improve. Now it's believed that the Botox injection is not only relaxing muscles but also sending a message via the facial nerves back to the central nervous system to modify chemical signaling, generating an antidepressant response. More testing is needed, however, to prove this theory," explained Dr. Sambunaris.

All inquiries are confidential. Participation is at no cost to the participant, meaning there is no request for a donation, or a co-pay, and no bill is issued. All medical research occurs under the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration as well as oversight of an ethical review committee.

For more information, call 770-817-9200.

About the Institute for Advanced Medical Research

Since 1998, the Institute has been a leader in conducting clinical trials to promote brain health and wellness including depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, PTSD and ADHD. What that means for the community: access to new drug therapies and care from a specialist in their disease at no cost to the participant. The team consists of an extensive group of healthcare professionals such as clinical research coordinators, registered nurses, lab technicians and clinical research assistants that collectively offer over 100 years of experience. Be a medical hero and join us in the fight to combat brain disorders with new pharmacological solutions. For more information, visit IAMResearch.org or call 770-817-9200.