What is the primary purpose of the CAGE questionnaire?

What is the primary purpose of the CAGE questionnaire?

• A. Screen For Potential Alcohol Use Problems
• B. Diagnose Alcohol Use Disorder
• C. Assess Nicotine Dependence
• D. Screen For Depression

Answer: (A)

The main idea behind the CAGE is to serve as a quick flag for possible alcohol-related problems, prompting a more thorough evaluation. It’s a brief screening tool used in many clinical settings to identify individuals who may have problematic drinking patterns and would benefit from additional assessment, rather than to diagnose an alcohol use disorder. A positive screen (often defined as two or more affirmative responses) signals the need for more detailed assessment with DSM-5 criteria or another validated tool like the AUDIT. It does not assess nicotine dependence or depression, which are addressed by separate screeners.

The main idea behind the CAGE is to serve as a quick flag for possible alcohol-related problems, prompting a more thorough evaluation. It’s a brief screening tool used in many clinical settings to identify individuals who may have problematic drinking patterns and would benefit from additional assessment, rather than to diagnose an alcohol use disorder. A positive screen (often defined as two or more affirmative responses) signals the need for more detailed assessment with DSM-5 criteria or another validated tool like the AUDIT. It does not assess nicotine dependence or depression, which are addressed by separate screeners.