About the GAD-7 Anxiety Screening Test
The Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) questionnaire is a validated clinical screening tool developed by Spitzer et al. (2006) and published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. It is widely used in primary care and mental health settings worldwide to screen for generalised anxiety disorder and monitor treatment progress. The GAD-7 asks about 7 symptoms experienced over the past 2 weeks, rated from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). Scores of 5, 10, and 15 represent thresholds for mild, moderate, and severe anxiety respectively. It has a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 82% for GAD diagnosis. This tool is a screening aid, not a diagnostic test — a qualified mental health professional is needed for diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my GAD-7 score mean?
Scores 0–4: Minimal anxiety. 5–9: Mild anxiety. 10–14: Moderate anxiety (clinical evaluation recommended). 15–21: Severe anxiety (immediate clinical evaluation recommended). Scores of 10 or higher have a sensitivity of 89% for detecting GAD in primary care settings.
Is this test a substitute for professional diagnosis?
No. The GAD-7 is a validated screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A score above 10 suggests a probable anxiety disorder but must be evaluated by a qualified mental health professional or physician. Many other conditions can cause anxiety symptoms and need to be ruled out.
What are the most effective treatments for anxiety?
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence base for generalised anxiety disorder, with response rates of 60–80%. SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, escitalopram) and SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine) are first-line medications. Mindfulness-based interventions, regular exercise, and sleep hygiene are effective adjunct strategies.
How is GAD different from normal worry?
GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about multiple areas of life (work, health, finances, relationships) that is disproportionate to actual circumstances, persists for at least 6 months, and causes significant distress or functional impairment. Normal worry is proportionate, time-limited, and does not significantly interfere with daily life.