The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is a validated screening tool for anxiety. It asks about the frequency of 7 anxiety symptoms over the past 2 weeks and is widely used in primary care and mental health settings.

How is the GAD-7 scored?

Each of the 7 items is scored 0-3 (not at all, several days, more than half the days, nearly every day). Total scores range from 0-21. Severity: 0-4 minimal, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-21 severe.

Is this a diagnosis of anxiety?

No. The GAD-7 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A score of 10 or higher suggests clinically significant anxiety and warrants further evaluation. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose generalized anxiety disorder or other anxiety conditions.

What should I do if my score is high?

A score of 10 or higher warrants discussion with a healthcare provider. Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle modifications. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.

Can the GAD-7 detect other anxiety disorders?

While designed for generalized anxiety disorder, the GAD-7 has good sensitivity for detecting panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and PTSD as well. However, specific screening tools exist for each of these conditions.

Clinical · No. 46Intermediate · 2-3 min

GAD-7 Anxiety Screening
Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Validated 7-question screener for generalized anxiety disorder severity over the past 2 weeks.

Questionnaire

About the GAD-7

The GAD-7 was developed by Drs. Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, and Löwe and published in 2006. It measures the frequency of 7 core anxiety symptoms: nervousness, uncontrollable worry, excessive worry, trouble relaxing, restlessness, irritability, and fear of something awful happening.

Clinical Validation

The GAD-7 has strong psychometric properties with a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 82% for detecting generalized anxiety disorder at a cutoff score of 10. It is recommended by multiple clinical guidelines for routine anxiety screening.

GAD-7 Severity Thresholds

Score	Severity	Action
0-4	Minimal	No action needed
5-9	Mild	Monitor symptoms
10-14	Moderate	Consider counseling
15-21	Severe	Active treatment

Medical Disclaimer

This screening tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis. If you are experiencing significant anxiety that interferes with daily functioning, please consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

About the GAD-7

Clinical Validation

GAD-7 Severity Thresholds

Medical Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions

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