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GAD-7 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale

The GAD-7 rates seven anxiety symptoms from 0 to 3 over the last 2 weeks, total 0–21. Scores of 5, 10 and 15 mark mild, moderate and severe anxiety; ≥10 identifies probable generalized anxiety disorder (sensitivity 89%, specificity 82%).

  • Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge: Not at all (0); Several days (1); More than half the days (2); Nearly every day (3)
  • Not being able to stop or control worrying: Not at all (0); Several days (1); More than half the days (2); Nearly every day (3)
  • Worrying too much about different things: Not at all (0); Several days (1); More than half the days (2); Nearly every day (3)
  • Trouble relaxing: Not at all (0); Several days (1); More than half the days (2); Nearly every day (3)
  • Being so restless that it is hard to sit still: Not at all (0); Several days (1); More than half the days (2); Nearly every day (3)
  • Becoming easily annoyed or irritable: Not at all (0); Several days (1); More than half the days (2); Nearly every day (3)
  • Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen: Not at all (0); Several days (1); More than half the days (2); Nearly every day (3)
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Interpretation

ResultMeaning
0–4Minimal
5–9Mild
10–14Moderate
15–21Severe

Formula

Sum of 7 items, each 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day) over the past 2 weeks. Range 0–21.

Clinical pearls

  • The GAD-7 also screens reasonably for panic disorder, social anxiety and PTSD, not only GAD.
  • A positive screen (≥10) needs a clinical interview to confirm the diagnosis.

Examples

gad7 items 2 2 2 1 1 1 1GAD-7 for someone nervous nearly every day, cannot stop worrying more than half the days, otherwise several daysanxiety score all items 3

FAQ

What GAD-7 score is significant?

A score of 10 or more is the usual cut-off for probable generalized anxiety disorder. 5–9 is mild, 10–14 moderate and 15–21 severe anxiety.

Is the GAD-7 diagnostic?

No. It is a screening and severity measure; a positive result should be followed by a clinical assessment.

Evidence

  1. Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Löwe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Arch Intern Med 2006;166:1092–7.

Psychiatry & Substance Use · Reviewed 2026-10-14 · Methodology