3. CAGE Questionnaire

CAGE Questionnaire

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]

CAGE Questionnaire
This is best used in a clinical setting as part of a general clinical history taking, and may be phrased informally.
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 to get rid of a hangover (Eye opener)?
Total= /4

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]

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Further reading & references

  1. Ewing JA; Detecting alcoholism. The CAGE questionnaire. JAMA. 1984 Oct 12;252(14):1905-7.
  2. Steinweg DL, Worth H; Alcoholism: the keys to the CAGE. Am J Med. 1993 May;94(5):520-3.
  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.
  4. The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) questionnaire, World Health Organization
Original Author: Dr Huw Thomas Current Version:
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.