Which screening tool is used for identifying alcohol use disorders?

The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) is specifically designed to identify individuals who may have alcohol use disorders. It is a comprehensive tool that assesses alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and risky drinking behaviors. The AUDIT consists of ten questions that help screen for harmful drinking patterns and provides a score that indicates the severity of alcohol use, making it a valuable resource in both clinical and research settings for detecting alcohol-related issues.

In contrast, the other tools mentioned have different primary focuses. The MHAS (Mental Health Assessment Schedule) is more broadly focused on mental health conditions rather than specifically targeting alcohol use disorders. The DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test) is designed to screen for drug use and abuse, not specifically for alcohol. The CAGE questionnaire, while a useful screening tool for alcohol use, has a more limited scope compared to the AUDIT and is primarily focused on detecting possible dependency, rather than measuring the extent of alcohol-related problems and behaviors. Therefore, the AUDIT is the most appropriate choice for identifying alcohol use disorders among the options available.