GAD-7 Anxiety Test: Overview & Interpretation
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) is a widely used 7-item screening tool for anxiety symptoms. It assesses how often you’ve been bothered by common signs of anxiety over the past two weeks, helping identify potential generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or elevated anxiety levels.
How the GAD-7 Works
- 7 questions scored on a 4-point scale:
- 0 = Not at all
- 1 = Several days
- 2 = More than half the days
- 3 = Nearly every day
- Total score range: 0–21.
Sample Questions
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by…
- Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge.
- Not being able to stop or control worrying.
- Worrying too much about different things.
(Full test includes physical symptoms like restlessness and fatigue.)
GAD-7 Scoring & Interpretation
| Score | Anxiety Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal anxiety | Self-monitoring |
| 5–9 | Mild anxiety | Watchful waiting; stress reduction |
| 10–14 | Moderate anxiety | Consider therapy or consultation |
| 15–21 | Severe anxiety | Seek professional help (therapy/medication evaluation) |
Note: A score ≥10 suggests clinical significance (possible GAD).
Why Use the GAD-7?
- Quick & reliable: Validated in clinical and research settings.
- Tracks progress: Useful for monitoring anxiety before/after treatment.
- Flags severe anxiety: Helps prioritize mental health care.
Limitations
- Screening tool only: Not a formal diagnosis (requires clinical evaluation).
- Focuses on GAD: Doesn’t assess other anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, OCD).
- Self-report bias: Depends on honest responses.