What is the primary purpose of the CAGE questionnaire?

What is the primary purpose of the CAGE questionnaire?

• A. To screen for alcoholism
• B. To screen for alcohol use disorders
• C. To assess caffeine dependence
• D. To measure overall health

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of this tool is to quickly identify possible alcohol-related problems so a clinician can pursue a fuller assessment. It’s a short four-question screen—asking about wanting to cut down, annoyance from others’ criticisms, guilt about drinking, and needing an eye-opener—that flags individuals who may have an alcohol use disorder and deserve more in-depth evaluation using DSM criteria. It isn’t meant to diagnose alcoholism by itself, nor is it used to assess caffeine dependence or general health. A positive screen (often two or more “yes” answers) prompts further assessment for alcohol use disorders.

The primary purpose of this tool is to quickly identify possible alcohol-related problems so a clinician can pursue a fuller assessment. It’s a short four-question screen—asking about wanting to cut down, annoyance from others’ criticisms, guilt about drinking, and needing an eye-opener—that flags individuals who may have an alcohol use disorder and deserve more in-depth evaluation using DSM criteria. It isn’t meant to diagnose alcoholism by itself, nor is it used to assess caffeine dependence or general health. A positive screen (often two or more “yes” answers) prompts further assessment for alcohol use disorders.