What does the CAGE assessment tool primarily assess?

The CAGE assessment tool is specifically designed to screen for potential drug and alcohol use disorders. It consists of four straightforward questions that assess the individual's drinking habits and the impact of alcohol on their life. The acronym "CAGE" stands for:

• Cutting down: Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?

• Annoyance: Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

• Guilt: Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?

• Eye-opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Each "yes" response indicates a potential concern regarding alcohol use, making it a useful screening tool for healthcare providers to identify individuals who may benefit from a more thorough assessment or intervention regarding their alcohol consumption.

In contrast, other options, such as personality disorders, attention deficit disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, rely on different assessment tools and methodologies that target the specific symptoms and criteria associated with those conditions. This focus on alcohol use is what distinguishes the CAGE tool within psychiatric and mental health evaluations.