A seven-item snapshot of anxiety over the past two weeks. The GAD-7, developed by Spitzer and colleagues (2006), was originally designed to screen for generalized anxiety disorder and is now widely used as a quick measure of general anxiety severity. Seven items, two to three minutes.
The GAD-7 measures how often you have experienced anxiety-related symptoms over the last two weeks — nervousness, uncontrollable worry, restlessness and difficulty relaxing. It captures the intensity and frequency of anxiety, not its content.
A score is a screening signal, not a diagnosis. A score of 10 or above generally warrants a professional assessment. Anxiety disorders come in several types (generalized, panic, social); the GAD-7 is most sensitive to the generalized kind.
Moderate anxiety is normal and even useful. Anxiety becomes a problem when it is excessive, persistent, hard to control and interfering with life.
Scoring & bands
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
0–4 · None or minimal: Your score suggests few if any anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks. Brief everyday nerves are not an anxiety problem.
5–9 · Mild: Your score suggests some mild anxiety symptoms, often tied to recent stress or uncertainty.
10–14 · Moderate: Your score suggests moderate anxiety symptoms that may be affecting sleep, focus or daily functioning. A professional assessment is recommended.
15–21 · Severe: Your score suggests a severe level of anxiety that is likely interfering noticeably with daily life. Please seek professional help soon — anxiety disorders respond well to treatment.
FAQ
Can the GAD-7 diagnose an anxiety disorder?
No. It reflects the frequency and intensity of symptoms over the past two weeks. A diagnosis requires a clinical interview that considers history and functioning.
I'm under a lot of stress — is a high score expected?
Quite possibly. Stressful events push GAD-7 scores up directly. Retake it two weeks after the stressor has passed to see whether it settles.
What's the difference between anxiety and depression?
In short: anxiety centres on excessive worry and vigilance about the future, while depression centres on low mood and loss of interest. They often co-occur; taking the PHQ-9 alongside the GAD-7 gives a fuller picture.
Source: Spitzer RL, et al. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Arch Intern Med, 2006
All scales on this site are widely used self-report instruments for self-understanding and screening only — they cannot replace a professional diagnosis. If you need help, please consult a doctor or therapist.