Psychiatry General Medicine Addiction Medicine A
CAGE Questionnaire
Four-question screening tool for alcohol misuse. Score ≥2 is clinically significant.
Score interpretation
Low Risk 0–1
Score 0–1: Low concern
→ No specific intervention indicated
Clinically Significant 2–4
Score ≥2: Sensitivity 70–85% for alcohol use disorder
→ Full alcohol history; consider AUDIT; brief intervention or referral
Interpretation bands for the CAGE. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Ewing JA. Detecting alcoholism: the CAGE questionnaire. JAMA. 1984;252(14):1905-1907.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
Drugs
- Nalmefene · Opioid Receptor Modulator (Alcohol Dependence — 'As-Needed' Therapy)
- Chlorhexidine gluconate with isopropyl alcohol · Skin antiseptic
- Chlorhexidine · Antiseptic / disinfectant (bisbiguanide)
- Alcohol (ethanol) · Antidote / sclerosant
- Lissamine Green 1% Eye Drops · Vital Dye — Ocular Surface Staining (Dry Eye Diagnosis)
- Polyvinyl alcohol · Ocular lubricant
Pathways
- Acute Behavioural Disturbance / Rapid Tranquillisation · RCEM 2022; RCPsych 2022; NICE NG10
- Self-Harm Presentation · NICE NG225 (2022)
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity Act) · MCA 2005; Code of Practice
- Acute Psychosis Management · NICE CG178 2014
- Depression Management · NICE CG90 2022
- Lithium Therapy Monitoring · NICE CG185
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.