Botox for stress? tiny study tests the idea
NCT ID NCT06778421
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested whether Botox injections could lower stress levels in healthy adult women. Four participants received either Botox or a placebo (salt water) and filled out stress questionnaires over 12 weeks. The goal was to see if stress scores dropped after treatment. Because the study is very small and early, results are not conclusive.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new way to ease stress using Botox injections.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early pilot study with only 4 participants. Results may not apply to the general population, and the effect on stress is uncertain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
-
4 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Mar 2025
- Finished
-
Jan 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Subjects capable of giving informed consent in the English language 2. Females 18-65 years of age 3. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) ≥ 14 at screening. 4. Participants who have been toxin-naive for ≥1 year (i.e. onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX®), alternatives, or its derivatives) 5. Female subjects willing to minimize the risk of inducing pregnancy for the duration of clinical study 6. Subjects in good physical and mental health and not on any prescription psychiatric medications 7. Subjects willing to not undergo any other aesthetic or skin treatments for the duration of the study Exclusion Criteria: 1. Participants with history of facial (including periorbital) surgery within the last 12 months 2. Use of neuromodulators in the past ≤ 12 months 3. History or known alcohol and/or illicit drug abuse 4. Participants with psychiatric diagnosis 5. Body Mass Index (BMI) at Screening ≥ 30 kg/m2. 6. Participants with metabolic disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism and hyperparathyroidism) 7. Undiagnosed, unstable, or preexisting conditions that in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with the course and conduct of the study. These include but are not limited to inflammatory disorders, diseases that affect muscles and/or nerves such as myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome, high blood pressure, heart disease, and/or stroke that could result in a life-threatening response when treated with BOTOX® or placebo. 8. Participant has any laboratory abnormality (found on screening) that, in the opinion of the investigators, is clinically significant, has not resolved at baseline and could jeopardize or would compromise the participant's ability to participate in this study. 9. Prior use of isotretinoin 10. Active skin disease or infection at or near injection sites 11. Active use of tobacco or nicotine products in any form via any route (e.g. inhalation, ingestion, absorption) 12. Chronic marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol exposure 13. If the investigators feel that the subject is not a good candidate for the study 14. Females of childbearing potential not using a reliable means of contraception 15. Female subjects must not be breastfeeding 16. Any known previous hypersensitivity reactions to BOTOX® 17. Current or recent (within therapeutic window) use of neuromuscular medications that may pose additional risk with treatment with BOTOX®, such as but not limited to amino-glycosides and anticholinergic drugs
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Center for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
Beverly Hills, California, 90212-2913, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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