How troubled are you by anxiety symptoms? The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item) provides a validated answer in seven questions and is today's standard tool for screening generalized anxiety in primary care, mental-health settings and research.
This guide explains how the GAD-7 works, what the severity bands mean, when further evaluation is needed, and how the GAD-7 connects to other symptom tools.
This is a screening tool, not a medical diagnosis. If your score is 10 or above, or you have concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.
What is the GAD-7?
The GAD-7 was developed and validated in 2006 by Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams and Löwe in the Archives of Internal Medicine. It asks about seven core symptoms of generalized anxiety over the past 2 weeks. Each item is scored 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day), with a total range of 0–21.
At a cutoff of 10, the GAD-7 has a sensitivity of 89 % and specificity of 82 % for generalized anxiety disorder. It also screens with moderate accuracy for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and PTSD.
The seven questions
- Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge
- Not being able to stop or control worrying
- Worrying too much about different things
- Trouble relaxing
- Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
- Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
- Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen
Response options: Not at all (0), Several days (1), More than half the days (2), Nearly every day (3).
Severity bands
| Score | Severity | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 4 | Minimal | Minimal symptoms — keep monitoring |
| 5 – 9 | Mild | Self-care, stress management, re-test in 2–4 weeks |
| 10 – 14 | Moderate | Consult a healthcare professional, further evaluation |
| 15 – 21 | Severe | Seek professional help promptly — active treatment recommended |
A cutoff of 10 is the established threshold for further clinical evaluation. A change of ≥ 5 points on follow-up is considered clinically meaningful and useful for tracking response to treatment.
What the GAD-7 does not replace
The GAD-7 captures symptom frequency, not cause. Thyroid overactivity, caffeine, certain medications, sleep deprivation and other medical conditions can mimic an anxiety picture. An elevated score should therefore always be put in context by a clinician.
The GAD-7 does not screen for suicidal thoughts or self-harm. If you are in acute crisis, contact emergency services immediately — US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline); UK: 116 123 (Samaritans); Germany: 0800 1110111 (Telefonseelsorge).
What to do next
- Score < 5: Symptoms minimal. Keep monitoring and reduce stressors.
- Score 5–9: Self-care — sleep, exercise, breathing techniques, less caffeine/alcohol. Re-test in 2–4 weeks.
- Score ≥ 10: Make an appointment with your GP or a mental-health professional. Cognitive behavioural therapy is well evidenced; SSRIs are also an option.
- Acute crisis: Call your local emergency line or a crisis hotline (US: 988; UK: 116 123).
Related topics & calculators
- PMS symptoms — anxiety symptoms can be cycle-driven. A PMS self-assessment helps separate premenstrual distress from generalized anxiety. Read the PMS guide.
- Menopause symptoms — anxiety and inner restlessness frequently increase during menopause. A symptom assessment shows whether the hormonal phase plays a role. Read the menopause guide.
- Sleep cycles — sleep loss is one of the strongest amplifiers of anxiety. Even a week of adequate sleep often lowers the GAD-7 score. Read the sleep cycle guide.
Take the GAD-7 now
Seven questions, anonymous, instant. Get an immediate interpretation of your anxiety symptoms over the past 2 weeks.
Go to the GAD-7 anxiety screening →Frequently asked questions
How often should I take the GAD-7?
A baseline first, then every 2–4 weeks during treatment or whenever symptoms change. Trends across multiple tests are more meaningful than any single value.
My score is above 15 — is that an emergency?
A high score is not an acute emergency, but it is a clear signal of significant symptoms. Make an appointment with a GP or therapist promptly. If you have acute thoughts of self-harm or suicide regardless of score, contact emergency services or a crisis line immediately (US: 988; UK: 116 123; Germany: 112 / 0800 1110111).
Is the GAD-7 suitable for teenagers?
The GAD-7 is primarily validated for adults and is also used from about age 13. For younger children, age-specific instruments are preferred.
Does the GAD-7 also detect panic disorder or depression?
The GAD-7 is optimized for generalized anxiety but has moderate accuracy for panic disorder, social anxiety and PTSD. For depression, the PHQ-9 complements it — in practice, the two are often used together.
Related Articles
PMS Symptom Calculator: PSST Score, PMDD Diagnosis and Treatment
Score PMS and PMDD with the Steiner PSST questionnaire. 14 symptoms, 5 functional impairment areas, evidence-based treatment guidance.
Read more →Menopause Symptom Calculator: MRS Score, Severity Bands and Treatment
Score menopause symptoms with the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) — 11 items, 3 domains, Heinemann 2003 cutoffs. With calculator, severity bands and treatment overview.
Read more →Calculate Sleep Cycles: Wake Up at the Right Time
Calculate sleep cycles for restful sleep. Understand 90-minute cycles and find your optimal bedtime or wake-up time.
Read more →