Finding a Better Way to Treat Depression Local Clinical Research Study Explores Promising New Method

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.

Doctors 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 and looking 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.

“There are many individuals out there who may be suffering from depression but don’t know what to do. They’re afraid of what their friends and family may say. Participating in a medical research trial is a low key and a private way to possibly find a solution for society while seeking help for yourself,” said Dr. Sambunaris.

For more information, visit the Institute for Advanced Medical Research website or call 770-817-9200.

About the Institute for Advanced Medical Research
The Institute for Advanced Medical Research empowers individuals struggling with neuropsychological conditions to actively participate in their treatment. By educating and informing patients and their families, the team offers them a renewed sense of purpose. Rather than simply being victims of a disease, study participants become health care heroes, creating a personal legacy of advancing medical science.

Adhering to the highest standards of quality and strict ethical principles of medical research, the Institute employs a patient-centered approach that balances a commitment to safety with highly personalized care. Since 1991, the Institute has helped more than 3,000 individuals improve their quality of life while ensuring that millions more can benefit from access to innovative medical treatments. For more information, visit the Institute for Advanced Medical Research website at IAmResearch.org, or call 770-817-9200.