Clinical Overview: The CAGE Questionnaire
The CAGE questionnaire is a widely used 4-item screening tool for identifying potential alcohol misuse or dependency. Developed in 1970, it is famous for its simplicity and clinical utility in primary care and emergency settings.
The CAGE Acronym
The questionnaire asks four straightforward questions:
- Cut down: Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- Annoyed: Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Guilty: Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
- Eye-opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
Interpretation
CAGE Score = Count of 'Yes' Answers
Where:
Score >= 2=
Clinically significantMax Score=
4 PointsA score of 2 or higher is generally considered clinically significant and suggests a high probability of alcohol misuse or dependence, warranting further clinical evaluation.