Chocolate's Short-Term Mood Effects

May 12, 2025

Mood State Effects of Chocolate

Overview

  • Title: Mood state effects of chocolate
  • Authors: Gordon Parker, Isabella Parker, Heather Brotchie
  • Published in: Journal of Affective Disorders, June 2006
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2006.02.007

Key Concepts

Background

  • Chocolate is often associated with various mood effects, including being a stimulant, relaxant, euphoriant, aphrodisiac, tonic, and antidepressant.
  • The review was stimulated by claims of chocolate's antidepressant properties.

Methodology

  • The review analyzes chocolate's properties concerning its mood-altering claims.
  • Differentiates between food craving and emotional eating.
  • Examines psychological and physiological factors related to chocolate consumption.

Findings

  • Chocolate satisfies cravings and provides hedonistic pleasure.
  • When used for comfort or emotional eating, it may prolong rather than alleviate dysphoric moods.
  • Chocolate may function as an antidepressant self-medication strategy for some individuals, but the mood benefits are usually short-lived.

Limitations

  • Focuses on the potential self-medication use of chocolate for depression.
  • Investigates the processes by which chocolate might affect mood.

Conclusion

  • Mood benefits from chocolate consumption are transient.

Related Research

  • Similar articles discuss chocolate's impact on mood, food cravings, and psychological effects.
  • Studies range from exploring chocolate as food versus drug to its immediate mood effects.

Associated Terms

  • Affect, Brain metabolism, Depression, Homeostasis, Neurotransmitter agents.

Resources and Further Reading

  • Full texts available through Elsevier Science.
  • Related studies and articles can be accessed for more in-depth understanding.

Additional Information

  • Affiliation: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Australia
  • PMID: 16546266
  • Citation: Parker et al., Mood state effects of chocolate, Journal of Affective Disorders, 2006.

Note: The transient nature of chocolate's mood benefits indicates its limited efficacy as a long-term mood regulator.

View note source

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16546266/