More chocolate in depression

People who suffer from depression eat more chocolate.

(28.04.2010) According to a study by the University of California, depressives eat more chocolate than relatively healthy people. This applies to men and women alike. In addition, the researchers report that as the severity of depression increases, so does the consumption of chocolate. During the study, the scientists examined the consumption of chocolate and the mood of the subjects. In total, 1000 people participated in the scientific study. Subjects did not take any antidepressant medication during the study and had no cardiovascular or diabetes disease.

The severity of the depressive illness was measured during the course of the study. The participants were then asked about the average consumption of chocolate. Participants who suffered from severe depression consumed up to 12 tablets of chocolate per month. Subjects who did not suffer from classified depression ate an average of five bars of chocolate and those with moderate depressive illness ate eight bars on average.

The evaluation of the study confirmed the suspicion that depressives often eat chocolate as a coping strategy to lighten their mood. However, it is not proven whether chocolate increases or decreases depressive illnesses. Here further scientific studies should follow to derive a possible connection. It has been proven, however, that chocolate, because of its high sugar content, favors the production of the "happiness hormone" serotonin.

Patients suffering from depression have the following symptoms: Patients feel permanently depressed and joyless. In addition, there is a significant loss of drive. In very severe depression, a high affinity for suicidality is added. Background of depression may be organic but psychologically related traumatic experiences. (Sm)

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