GAD-7 Anxiety Scale
A 7-item clinically validated questionnaire for measuring generalized anxiety severity. Covers symptoms over the past 2 weeks. Scores range from 0–21.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
| Question | Not at all (0) |
Several days (1) |
More than half (2) |
Nearly every day (3) |
|---|
⚠ Please answer all 7 questions before calculating.
Your GAD-7 Result
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out of 21
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MinimalMildModerateSevere
| Score | Severity | Clinical guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal anxiety | No treatment likely needed; monitor |
| 5–9 | Mild anxiety | Watchful waiting; self-care strategies |
| 10–14 | Moderate anxiety | Consider counseling or further evaluation |
| 15–21 | Severe anxiety | Active treatment strongly recommended |
Frequently asked questions
What is the GAD-7?
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is a brief, validated self-report questionnaire developed by Spitzer et al. (2006). It measures how often seven core anxiety symptoms have bothered you over the past two weeks and is widely used in primary care and mental health settings for screening and symptom monitoring.
What does a score of 10 or higher mean?
A score of 10 is the commonly used clinical threshold for probable generalized anxiety disorder and indicates that further evaluation is warranted. The original GAD-7 validation study reported a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 82% at this cutoff. Scores of 10–14 suggest moderate anxiety, while 15–21 suggests severe anxiety.
Is a high GAD-7 score a diagnosis of anxiety?
No. The GAD-7 is a screening and monitoring tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A high score suggests that a formal clinical evaluation is appropriate. Only a qualified mental health or medical professional can diagnose an anxiety disorder.
How does the GAD-7 relate to the PHQ-9 and PCL-5?
The GAD-7, PHQ-9, and PCL-5 are frequently administered together as a brief assessment battery. The GAD-7 screens for anxiety, the PHQ-9 for depression, and the PCL-5 for PTSD symptoms. Using all three provides clinicians with a broader view of a patient's mental health and supports informed treatment planning — a practice known as measurement-based care.
How often should the GAD-7 be taken?
In clinical settings, the GAD-7 is typically given at intake and re-administered every 2–4 weeks to track symptom change over the course of treatment. This helps both clinicians and patients assess whether interventions are working and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
About this calculator
This calculator uses the standardized GAD-7 scoring algorithm published by Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Löwe B (2006) in Archives of Internal Medicine. Each of the 7 items is rated 0–3, yielding a maximum score of 21. Score interpretation follows the validated thresholds from the original publication.
This tool is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified provider regarding mental health concerns.