Study to investigate if Botox can reduce social anxiety

George Washington University in the United States has been recruiting volunteers for a new study to test the effects of botulinum toxin injections on social anxiety.

The psychological condition social anxiety disorder (or social phobia) is a recognised medical condition affecting around one in 10 of adults and is characterised by a high level of fear in social situations, which leads to emotional distress and isolation.

Physical symptoms often include excessive blushing, excess sweating, trembling, palpitations, and nausea as well as stammering and rapid speech. In some cases panic attacks can occur. The research is being spearheaded by Dr Eric Finzi and Professor Daniel Lieberman, both of whom work at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The aim of the research will be to determine if botulinum toxin injections into the frown muscles will help with social anxiety as the toxin has previously been shown to have a beneficial impact on depression and the same part of the brain is involved in social anxiety disorder.