This PatientPlus article is written for healthcare professionals so the language may be more technical than the condition leaflets. You may find the abbreviations list helpful.
This easy to use patient questionnaire is a screening test for problem drinking and potential alcohol problems.[1] The CAGE questions should not be preceded by any questions about alcohol intake - ie its sensitivity is dramatically enhanced by an open-ended introduction.[2]
A total score of 2 or greater is considered clinically significant (sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 76% for the identification of problem drinking);[3] compared with GGT liver function test which detected only a third of patients having more than 16 "drinks" per day. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a longer screening tool recommended by the WHO.[4]
Further reading & references
- Ewing JA; Detecting alcoholism. The CAGE questionnaire. JAMA. 1984 Oct 12;252(14):1905-7.
- Steinweg DL, Worth H; Alcoholism: the keys to the CAGE. Am J Med. 1993 May;94(5):520-3.
- Bernadt MW, Mumford J, Taylor C, et al; Comparison of questionnaire and laboratory tests in the detection of excessive drinking and alcoholism. Lancet. 1982 Feb 6;1(8267):325-8.
- The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) questionnaire, World Health Organization
| Original Author: Dr Huw Thomas | Current Version: Dr Huw Thomas | |
| Last Checked: 26/10/2010 | Document ID: 1899 Version: 26 | © EMIS |
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.
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