CAGE questionnaire
Also written as: CAGE — Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener
A four-question screening tool used to identify potential alcohol use disorders in clinical settings.
Full Definition
The CAGE questionnaire is a widely-used, brief screening instrument designed to detect problematic alcohol use. The acronym stands for the four key questions: Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking? Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking? Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (Eye-opener)? Two or more positive responses typically indicate the need for further assessment. This tool is valued for its simplicity and effectiveness in various healthcare settings, including psychiatric clinics where substance use disorders frequently co-occur with mental health conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize all letters when used as an acronym; not appropriate as sole diagnostic tool.
In Context
- "The intake coordinator administered the CAGE questionnaire as part of the standard substance use screening protocol." — Assessment documentation
- "The patient scored 3 out of 4 on the CAGE questionnaire, indicating the need for comprehensive substance use evaluation." — Clinical assessment report