CAGE questionnaire
Also written as: CAGE — Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener
A four-item screening tool for alcohol use disorders using questions about Cutting down, Annoyance, Guilt, and Eye-opener drinking.
Full Definition
The CAGE questionnaire is a brief, validated screening instrument for identifying alcohol use disorders. The acronym represents 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 suggest a high likelihood of alcohol use disorder. Developed by Ewing in 1984, the CAGE is widely used in clinical settings due to its brevity and ease of administration.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize CAGE. Include 'questionnaire' for clarity in formal documents.
In Context
- "The CAGE questionnaire revealed three positive responses, indicating probable alcohol dependence." — Substance abuse assessment
- "Routine CAGE screening is recommended for all adult patients in primary care settings." — Clinical protocol