BOTULINUM TOXIN AND THE TREATMENT OF PRIMARY DISORDERS OF MOOD AND AFFECT

1 . A method of treating depression comprising the steps of a) identifying a subject with a depressive disorder or identifying a subject with one or more symptoms of a depressive disorder; and b) administering an effective amount of a composition comprising a botulinum toxin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to said subject thereby reducing at least one symptom of depression.

2 . (canceled)

3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the botulinum toxin is botulinum toxin type A from Hall strain Clostridium botulinum.

4 . (canceled)

5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein administration is by injection and there are at least two injection sites.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein administration is by injection and the injection is multifocal.

7 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the composition is administered to the forehead.

8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the composition is administered to the scalp.

9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the composition is administered to the neck.

10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said administration of said botulinum toxin blocks at least one neurotransmitter and wherein said at least one neurotransmitter is at least one of acetylcholine, glutamate, and norepinephrine.

11 . (canceled)

12 . A method of treating depression comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a botulinum toxin subdermally, non-intramuscularly to a face of a subject with depression, thereby treating the depression by reducing the occurrence of a symptom of the depression.

13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the step of administering further comprises administering the botulinum toxin to a periocular region of the face.

14 . (canceled)

15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the step of administering further comprises administering the botulinum toxin to locations that maximize uptake by a portal hypophyseal drainage.

16 . (canceled)

17 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the botulinum toxin is administered subdermally.

18 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the botulinum toxin is administered non-intramuscularly.

19 . (canceled)

20 . (canceled)

21 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the step of administering further comprises locally administering a therapeutically effective amount of the botulinum toxin subdermally, non-intramuscularly to the face of a patient with depression.

22 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the symptom of depression further comprises at least one of the group consisting of:

depressed mood;

markedly diminished interest or pleasure in activities;

significant weight loss or gain;

insomnia or hypersomnia;

psychomotor agitation, anxiety, or retardation;

fatigue or energy loss;

feelings of guilt and worthlessness;

impaired concentration and indecisiveness; and

recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

23 . (canceled)

24 . (canceled)

25 . The method of claim 22 , wherein the botulinum toxin is administered subdermally, non-intramuscularly.

27 . (canceled)

28 . (canceled)

29 . The method of claim 22 , wherein the step of administering further comprises locally administering a therapeutically effective amount of the botulinum toxin subdermally, non-intramuscularly to the face of a patient with depression.

30 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the depression further comprises one of the group consisting of: major depression; dysthymia; minor depression; seasonal affective disorder; and

atypical depression.

31 . A method for treating a neurological disorder selected from the group consisting of seizure disorders, chronic surgical wound pain, pain syndrome, myofascial pain, muscle tension headache, or trigeminal neuralgia, comprising the step of locally administering a botulinum toxin to at least one of a scalp, face, or neck of a patient with the neurological disorder, thereby treating the neurological disorder by reducing the occurrence of a symptom of the neurological disorder.

32 .- 39 . (canceled)