Alcoholism screening

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Alcoholism Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Pathophysiology

Differentiating Alcoholism from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

Chest X Ray

CT

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Alcoholism screening On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Alcoholism screening

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Alcoholism screening

CDC on Alcoholism screening

Alcoholism screening in the news

Blogs on Alcoholism screening

Directions to Hospitals Treating Alcoholism

Risk calculators and risk factors for Alcoholism screening

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Screening

Several tools may be used to detect a loss of control of alcohol use. These tools are mostly self reports in questionnaire form. Another common theme is a score or tally that sums up the general severity of alcohol use.

  • The CAGE questionnaire, named for its four questions, is one such example that may be used to screen patients quickly in a doctor's office.

Two "yes" responses indicate that the respondent should be investigated further.

The questionnaire asks the following questions:

  1. Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down on your drinking?
  2. Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
  3. Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking?
  4. Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?[1][2]
The CAGE questionnaire, among others, has been extensively validated for use in identifying alcoholism. It is not valid for diagnosis of other substance use disorders, although somewhat modified versions of the CAGE are frequently implemented for such a purpose.
  • The Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire is a more sensitive diagnostic test than the CAGE test.[3] It helps distinguish a diagnosis of alcohol dependence from one of heavy alcohol use.
  • The Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) is a screening tool for alcoholism widely used by courts to determine the appropriate sentencing for people convicted of alcohol-related offenses,[4] driving under the influence being the most common.
  • The Paddington Alcohol Test (PAT) was designed to screen for alcohol related problems amongst those attending Accident and Emergency departments. It concords well with the AUDIT questionnaire but is administered in a fifth of the time.[6]

References

  1. Ewing, John A. “Detecting Alcoholism: The CAGE Questionnaire” JAMA 252: 1905-1907, 1984
  2. CAGE Questionnaire (PDF)
  3. Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD)
  4. Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST)
  5. AUDIT: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: Guidelines for Use in Primary Care
  6. Smith, SG (Sep 1996). "Detection of alcohol misusing patients in accident and emergency departments: the Paddington alcohol test (PAT)". Journal of Accident and Emergency Medicine. British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine. 13 (5): 308–312. Retrieved 2006-11-19. Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (help)

Template:WH Template:WS