The GAD-7 is a validated, public-domain screening questionnaire for generalized anxiety symptoms, developed by Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, and Löwe. It is a screening aid, not a diagnosis — only a qualified clinician can diagnose an anxiety disorder.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
About this tool: the GAD-7 is a validated, public-domain screening questionnaire developed by Spitzer and colleagues in 2006. It screens for symptoms. It cannot diagnose an anxiety disorder, which requires an evaluation by a qualified professional. See our medical disclaimer.
What your GAD-7 score means
| Score | Symptom severity | Commonly suggested next step |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 | Minimal | No action needed unless symptoms concern you |
| 5 to 9 | Mild | Monitor, self-help strategies, recheck in a few weeks |
| 10 to 14 | Moderate | Talk to a doctor or mental health professional |
| 15 to 21 | Severe | Seek evaluation and treatment soon |
A score of 10 is the usual cutoff for further evaluation. In the original validation study of 2,740 primary-care patients, a score of 10 or more identified generalized anxiety disorder with 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity. In other words, the tool catches most people with GAD, but some people who score 10 or above turn out not to have it.
What the GAD-7 measures
The seven questions cover the core symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder over the last two weeks: nervousness, uncontrollable worry, worrying about many things, trouble relaxing, restlessness, irritability, and a sense of dread. Although it was designed for GAD, the GAD-7 also performs reasonably well at picking up panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The first two questions on their own make up the GAD-2, a shorter version used for quick screening.
Who should be screened
In 2023 the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening all adults aged 64 and younger for anxiety, including during pregnancy and after giving birth, even without symptoms. Many doctors' offices now use the GAD-7 routinely for this. Taking it here first can help you start that conversation.
Limitations
- It only looks at the last two weeks, so a stressful fortnight can raise your score temporarily.
- Medical conditions such as an overactive thyroid, heart rhythm problems, too much caffeine, and some medicines or withdrawal from them can cause anxiety-like symptoms.
- Anxiety and depression often occur together. If you also feel low or have lost interest in things, take the PHQ-9 depression screening too.
Treatment options that work
Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. Options a clinician may discuss include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): the best-studied talking therapy for anxiety, available in person, online and as guided self-help.
- SSRIs and SNRIs: antidepressants such as escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are first-line medicines for GAD.
- Buspirone: a non-sedating option specifically approved for GAD.
- Lifestyle measures: regular exercise, enough sleep, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, and mindfulness practice all have supporting evidence as part of treatment.
Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety quickly but carry risks of dependence and are generally used short-term only.
Related reading
- Buspirone vs Wellbutrin for anxiety
- Lexapro vs Zoloft
- Cymbalta vs Lexapro
- Effexor vs Lexapro
- Mindfulness techniques and benefits
- Sleep debt calculator
Frequently asked questions
What is a high GAD-7 score?
A score of 10 to 14 indicates moderate symptoms and 15 to 21 severe symptoms. A score of 10 or more is the usual point at which a professional evaluation is recommended.
Can the GAD-7 diagnose anxiety?
No. It is a screening tool. A diagnosis requires a clinical interview that also rules out other causes of the symptoms.
How often should I retake the GAD-7?
Clinicians often repeat it every two to four weeks during treatment to track progress. A drop of 4 or more points is generally considered a meaningful improvement.
Is my answer stored anywhere?
No. The score is calculated in your browser and is not sent to or saved by Health Linear.
Sources
- Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Löwe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2006. PubMed
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Anxiety disorders in adults: screening (2023)
- National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety disorders
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
About this article
Written by the Health Linear Editorial Team from primary sources such as FDA prescribing information, DailyMed, NIH and peer-reviewed studies, which are linked in the article. Last updated October 27, 2026.
Read our editorial process and medical disclaimer. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.