Validated 7-item screening tool for generalised anxiety disorder.
Source: Spitzer et al., Arch Intern Med 2006.
What does the GAD-7 score mean?
The Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is a validated questionnaire developed by Spitzer and colleagues and published in Archives of Internal Medicine in 2006. It was designed as a brief, self-administered tool that primary care clinicians and researchers can use to screen for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and monitor symptom severity.
Each of the 7 questions asks how often you have been bothered by a particular anxiety symptom over the past two weeks, scored 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). Total scores range from 0 to 21. The scale was validated against a structured diagnostic interview (the SCID) in a primary care population, achieving good sensitivity (89%) and specificity (82%) for GAD at a cut-point of 10.
GAD-7 is used not only for generalised anxiety disorder but also as a general anxiety severity measure in studies of social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In routine monitoring, a drop of 5 or more points from baseline counts as a clinically meaningful response to treatment.
GAD-7 is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A high score means you may benefit from a professional assessment. Several other things, including thyroid disease, stimulant use, sleep deprivation, and some heart conditions, can produce symptoms that push the score up.
Reference ranges
| Score | Severity | Suggested action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 4 | Minimal anxiety | Monitor; no action usually needed |
| 5 – 9 | Mild anxiety | Self-help strategies; watchful waiting |
| 10 – 14 | Moderate anxiety | Consider professional assessment |
| 15 – 21 | Severe anxiety | Professional assessment recommended |
When should you see a doctor?
If you score 10 or above, or if your anxiety symptoms are significantly affecting your work, relationships, or daily functioning regardless of your score, please speak with your GP, a psychologist, or a mental health professional. Effective treatments for anxiety disorders include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and, where appropriate, medication. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, contact a crisis service or emergency services immediately.