Did scientists really discover that dark chocolate is the cure for depression?

You may have seen one of the following headlines over the past few days:

• Suffering from depression? Eat dark chocolates
• People who eat dark chocolate less likely to be depressed
• Eating lots of dark chocolate 'lowers the risk of depression'
• Depression, Memory Loss, Heart Problems? Try Chocolate Therapy!

Does this mean therapists should recommend dark chocolate to their clients?

Not quite.

Researchers found that individuals who reported eating any dark chocolate in two 24-hour periods had 70% lower odds of reporting clinically relevant depressive symptoms than those who reported not eating chocolate at all. The 25% of chocolate consumers who ate the most chocolate (of any kind, not just dark) were also less likely to report depressive symptoms than those who didn't eat chocolate at all. 

Lead author Dr Sarah Jackson said: "This study provides some evidence that consumption of chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, may be associated with reduced odds of clinically relevant depressive symptoms." That's a far cry from the headlines!

These types of studies are fun, but they can be harmful for the general public's understanding of the complexities of mental health. It would feel so invalidating to be told: "You're depressed? Have you tried eating dark chocolate? I saw scientists found it could fix it!"

How do you dispel misunderstanding that stem from valid scientific research?

Furthermore, how do you convince someone of the validity of an evidence-based approach when it seems like every week, scientists contradict themselves?

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/r.../08/190802145458.htm