Anxiety screening
Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7)
The GAD-7 is a validated 7-question tool for screening and monitoring generalized anxiety over the past two weeks. Select the frequency that reflects your experience to calculate the total score.
1. Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
2. Not being able to stop or control worrying
3. Worrying too much about different things
4. Trouble relaxing
5. Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
7. Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen
Total GAD-7 score
0
Range 0–21
Low symptom severity. Continue routine monitoring, especially if there are functional impacts or comorbid conditions.
Questions scored 2 or higher: 0 (helps gauge functional impact).
How to Use This Calculator
Reflect on the last 14 days
Think about how often each anxiety symptom was present over the previous two weeks.
Select the matching frequency
Choose one option per question. Use clinical judgment if symptoms fluctuate day to day.
Review the score and plan follow-up
Scores ≥10 typically warrant clinical evaluation. Track scores over time to monitor treatment response.
Formula
Total GAD-7 score = Sum of the seven response values.
- Each item scores 0–3.
- Interpretation bands: 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–21 severe anxiety.
- Score ≥10 is the conventional threshold for a positive screen.
Full Description
The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale) is a self-report measure for detecting probable generalized anxiety disorder and tracking symptom burden. It is brief yet sensitive to change, making it useful in primary care, psychotherapy, digital health, and research settings. The seven items align with DSM criteria, covering worry, tension, restlessness, irritability, and fear.
A positive screen does not confirm a diagnosis. Differential diagnoses—such as panic disorder, PTSD, depression, substance use, and medical conditions—should be explored. Incorporate a functional assessment (impact on work, relationships, sleep) and evaluate risk factors including suicidality or comorbid depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I administer the GAD-7?
For active treatment, reassess every 2–4 weeks to evaluate progress. In primary care, repeat when symptoms change.
Can the GAD-7 track other anxiety disorders?
It is most sensitive to generalized anxiety but is also useful for monitoring broad anxiety symptoms. Use disorder-specific tools if needed.
What if the patient struggles to choose a single option?
Encourage averaging over the two-week period. Document any contextual notes that influence interpretation.
Does a low score rule out anxiety disorders?
No. Anxiety presentations can be situational or masked. Combine the score with clinical interviews and collateral information.