Christensen Dietary Distress Inventory

Issues in the design of studies investigating the behavioral concomitants of foods.

“…It would be erroneously concluded that an effect did not exist, when the null results existed only because the sensitive population was not sampled. Christensen et al (1989) have developed a psychometric instrument, the Christensen Dietary Distress Inventory (CDDI; Christensen, 1990), for the purpose of identifying distressed individuals responsive to caffeine and refined sucrose. The CDDI is a 34-item self-report inventory including statements responded to in terms of frequency of occurrence, reaction to, or perceived cause of a physical or psychological condition.…”

Implementation of a dietary intervention.

“…Given the apparent inability to distinguish the depressed dietary responder on the bases of presenting symptoms or psychological characteristics, an independent assessment device, the Christensen Dietary Distress Inventory (CDDI; Christensen, 1990) was constructed to identify dietary-sensitive patients. This 34-item self-report inventory is responded to in terms of frequency of occurrence of, reaction to, or perceived cause of a physical or psychological condition.…”

“…This calculation can be made on the basis of food records maintained for a 3- to 7-day period or a questionnaire asking about typical consumption of caffeinated beverages, foods, and medications. In calculating caffeine consumption, a guideline that can be used is that a cup (150–237 mL) of caffeinated coffee contains about 100 mg, an 8-ounce (237 mL) glass of tea contains about 50 mg, and a 12-ounce (355 mL) cola drink contains about 50 mg. An extensive listing of caffeine content of beverages, foods, and medications can be found in Christensen (1990).…”