Yet another wrinkle in the story of botox

In this atmosphere of ‘botox parties’ where champagne-sipping socialites are injected with botulinum toxin,’ says British neurologist Dr Peter Misra, ‘it is easy to forget that it is a potent neurotoxin whose long-term effects are still unknown.’ And many may not even need it.

A recent study found that nearly a quarter of those wanting botox were suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (delusions about body shape) and were considered to need psychotherapy rather than injections of toxic nerve agents (BMJ, 2002; 325: 1188).