Question 1

What is the GAD-7 test?

Accepted Answer

The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) is a validated 7-question screening tool used by clinicians to assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorder. It asks how often you have experienced anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks.

Question 2

What is a normal GAD-7 score?

Accepted Answer

GAD-7 scores are interpreted as follows: 0–4 is minimal anxiety, 5–9 is mild, 10–14 is moderate, and 15–21 is severe anxiety. A score of 10 or above is often used as a threshold to indicate further clinical evaluation is warranted.

Question 3

What does the GAD-7 questionnaire measure?

Accepted Answer

The GAD-7 measures seven core anxiety symptoms: feeling nervous or on edge, inability to control worrying, worrying too much, difficulty relaxing, restlessness, irritability, and feeling afraid something awful might happen.

Question 4

Is the GAD-7 test the same as a diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

No. The GAD-7 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A high score indicates that anxiety symptoms are present and that talking to a mental health professional would be beneficial. Only a licensed clinician can provide a formal diagnosis.

Question 5

Can anxiety and depression occur together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anxiety and depression frequently co-occur. Research suggests that approximately 50% of people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. If you score high on the GAD-7, taking the PHQ-9 depression screening may also be informative.

Question 6

Does the GAD-7 only screen for generalized anxiety?

Accepted Answer

While developed for generalized anxiety disorder, research has shown the GAD-7 also has reasonable sensitivity for detecting panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, it is not a specific diagnostic tool for any of these conditions.

Question 7

Is my data stored or shared?

Accepted Answer

No. All scoring happens entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your answers are never sent to any server, stored in any database, or shared with anyone. When you close or reset this page, your responses are gone.

Question 8

What should I do if my GAD-7 score is high?

Accepted Answer

A higher score suggests more anxiety symptoms, but does not mean you have a specific diagnosis. Consider talking with a healthcare provider, therapist, or counselor. If anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, seeking help sooner is encouraged.

Question 9

What does my anxiety assessment score mean?

Accepted Answer

Your GAD-7 score reflects the frequency of anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks. Scores of 0–4 indicate minimal anxiety, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, and 15–21 severe. The score helps identify whether anxiety symptoms are present and how much they may be affecting your daily life. It is a snapshot, not a permanent label.

Question 10

Is this anxiety test medically accurate?

Accepted Answer

The GAD-7 is one of the most extensively validated anxiety screening tools in clinical research. Studies demonstrate a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 82% for generalized anxiety disorder at a cutoff score of 10. It is used by doctors, psychologists, and researchers worldwide. However, it is a screening tool — not a diagnostic instrument — and results should be discussed with a healthcare professional for proper context.

Question 11

How often should I take an anxiety assessment?

Accepted Answer

The GAD-7 measures symptoms over the past two weeks, so retaking it every 2–4 weeks is a practical interval for tracking changes. If you are currently receiving treatment, your provider may use repeated GAD-7 scores to monitor progress. A drop of 5 or more points is generally considered a clinically meaningful improvement.

GAD-7 Anxiety Self-Check

Before you begin

Clinical References

What Is the GAD-7 Anxiety Screening?

How Is the GAD-7 Scored?

What Do My GAD-7 Results Mean?

Before you begin

Clinical References