What the GAD-7 is
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) is a seven-question scale published in 2006 by Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams and Löwe. It is free to use and is the standard tool in primary care for measuring anxiety. Each question asks how often a symptom bothered you over the last two weeks.
How it is scored
| Answer | Points |
|---|---|
| Not at all | 0 |
| Several days | 1 |
| More than half the days | 2 |
| Nearly every day | 3 |
The total ranges from 0 to 21.
| Score | Severity |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal anxiety |
| 5–9 | Mild anxiety |
| 10–14 | Moderate anxiety |
| 15–21 | Severe anxiety |
A cutoff of 10 detects generalized anxiety disorder with a sensitivity and specificity of about 89% and 82% in the original study.
Worked example
Someone feels nervous and worries too much “more than half the days” (2 points each for the first three items), has trouble relaxing on “several days” (1) and answers “not at all” to the others: 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 7, mild anxiety. The GAD-2, the sum of the first two items, is 4, a positive screen.
The GAD-2
The first two questions, on nervousness and uncontrollable worry, make up the GAD-2. A score of 3 or more suggests completing the full GAD-7.
Beyond generalized anxiety
Although designed for generalized anxiety disorder, the GAD-7 also performs reasonably well for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety often occurs with depression, so the GAD-7 is commonly given with the PHQ-9.
What helps
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the best-studied psychological treatment.
- Medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs are effective for moderate to severe anxiety.
- Lifestyle measures: regular exercise, consistent sleep, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and breathing or relaxation exercises.
Limits
The GAD-7 measures symptoms over two weeks. Thyroid disease, stimulants, caffeine and some medications can cause anxiety-like symptoms. Discuss your score with a primary care provider or a mental health professional.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 in the US, or call 911 in an emergency.
This calculator is for general information and education. It is not medical advice and does not replace the judgment of a doctor, nurse or pharmacist who knows the full clinical picture.