Botox may diminish the experience of emotion

Category: Neuroscience • Psychology ^ | 04/16/10

[AngelesCrestHighway]

DO you smile because you're happy, or are you happy because you are smiling? Darwin believed that facial expressions are indeed important for experiencing emotions. In The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, he wrote that "the free expression by outward signs of an emotion intensifies it...[whereas]...the repression...of all outward signs softens our emotions." This idea was subsequently elaborated by the great psychologist William James, who suggested that "every representation of a movement awakens in some degree the actual movement which is its object."

Botox, which is used by millions of people every year to reduce wrinkles and frown lines on the forehead, works by paralyzing the muscles involved in producing facial expressions. A study due to be published in the journal Psychological Science suggests that by doing so, it impairs the ability to process the emotional content of language, and may diminish the quality of emotional experiences.

[AngelesCrestHighway]

"Given the widespread and unregulated use of botox, the findings suggest that further investigation of its possible effects on cognitive function is needed."....

[Jerrybob]

Or in Nancy Pelosi’s case, make you brain dead.

[jazminerose]

Well, there is some pretty compelling anecdotal evidence flying around in very expensive military jets.

[smokingfrog]

That could explain it.

[Atlas Sneezed]

So all those ladies numbing their frown lines are getting the benefit of not feeling so frowny?

(Really, this is quite preposterous).

[AngelesCrestHighway]

"What did you say?....I was listening to freight trains rumble through my mind".....

[Paleo Conservative]

[ottbmare]

Considering that Botox paralyzes the muscles used in frowning, it would seem to be a good thing if they don’t experience so much anger. It doesn’t paralyze smiling muscles.

[TexasFreeper2009]

this is just the tip of the iceberg, I predict that over the next 10-20 years they will come out with numerous studies showing that botox is killing you in about 10 different ways.

[dhuffman@awod.com]

Those are not smiles.

Growing up an uncle gave me a de-scented skunk to be a pet. Unfortunately her surgery was by an amateur and she was never a happy skunk which she made obvious with her ‘smile’. My parents made it clear that her ‘smile’ was to show her teeth and not invite petting.

[AngelesCrestHighway]

Botox diminishes cognitive abilities?....

[WVNan]

I predict that over the next 10-20 years they will come out with numerous studies showing that botox is killing you in about 10 different ways.

Gee, I hope not since I've had BOTOX around my eyes for 25 years for a neurological condition. No side effects yet. I will admit to a certain amount of short term memory loss, but I'm guessing that could be related to my 76 years of age.

[TexasFreeper2009]

I hope for your sake your right, but I just refuse to believe that injecting Botulism into your face is actually good for you.

[WVNan]

Well love, in my case I have no choice. Without it I’m blind. Choosing between BOTOX and blindness is not much of a choice. At my age, I should worry anyway? Other than being blind, I’m a very healthy seasoned citizen. I see my family doctor two times a year just so I will have him if I need him. So far I haven’t needed him. I’m still working, thanks to BOTOX. I run when I have time. I’m 76.