•And, best news yet. Upon further study, it has been found that “flavonoids” in dark chocolate are scientifically proven to act as antioxidants, preventing “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in blood from oxidizing and clogging arteries.

So, if you are looking for a healthy way to “cheat” this holiday season, dark chocolate may not be all together a bad option. Facts aside, however, and before you run out to fill your shopping cart full, keep these guidelines in mind:

•Heed advice of Aristotle: “Everything in moderation.” Refrain from taking “chocolate factory tour.” Keep your chocolate fix to a minimum. Enjoy it, but please don’t over do.

•When you are shopping for chocolate, try to find “dark” varieties with at least 70% cocoa.

•Also, make sure “sugar” or “butter fat” are not first items listed.

If you’d like to skip treat and not fun, send a virtual chocolate postcard from this fun chocolate website (no calories included) : http://www.virtualchocolate.com/index.cfm

To summarize my findings, it appears that dark chocolate is in fact our friend (and we will just leave its aphrodisiac qualities to your own private discussion groups, thanks).

As for cravings….Well, do we really “need” chocolate?

Survey says: Dunno. But, with holidays upon us, a Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate once in a while—now available in “sugar free” variety, mind you--sounds sweet enough to me.

(Research Ref: Eat To Beat Cancer, Hatherill. 1998 St. Martins Press, New York)

Third, is there an ongoing neurological or medical disorder that precipitates, aggravates, or complicates depression?

Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, vitamin B-12 deficiency, pancreatic cancer, brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can all cause depression. If any of these disorders are present, antidepressants are less likely to help. The goal in these situations is to treat underlying medical condition. A 65 year-old lady came to see me complaining of severe depression. On evaluation, she disclosed that she had been on three types of antidepressants for past four years with minimal response. I checked her recent laboratory results which showed an abnormal thyroid! No wonder, she was not responding to medication.

Fourth, are there ongoing psychosocial issues?

Financial problems, family conflict, work-related stress can all precipitate and complicate depression. Despite adequate medication treatment, some individuals will remain depressed especially if such problems are not addressed by therapist or psychiatrist. Is there any way you can reduce stressors? Please do so earliest you can.

The treatment of depression is frequently straightforward. Occasionally however, various factors complicate it. For antidepressant to be effective, a psychiatrist should ensure that diagnosis is correct, that co-morbid psychiatric disorders and medical problems are treated, and that psychosocial issues are adequately addressed.

Maria’s doctor should explore further real problem and provide most appropriate intervention.