What is the GAD-7 and what does it measure?
The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a validated self-report questionnaire used to screen for and assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorder. It asks about seven core anxiety symptoms experienced over the past two weeks, producing a total score from 0 to 21 that maps to four severity levels: Minimal (0–4), Mild (5–9), Moderate (10–14), and Severe (15–21). See also our calculate Weekly Calories Burned, Weekly Distance Covered & Weekly Steps Taken — Dog Walking Health Benefits.
How is the GAD-7 score calculated?
The GAD-7 score is obtained by adding the score for each of the seven questions. Each question is rated on a 0–3 scale: Not at all (0), Several days (1), More than half the days (2), and Nearly every day (3). The maximum possible score is 21.
What do the different GAD-7 score ranges mean?
Scores of 0–4 indicate minimal anxiety, 5–9 indicate mild anxiety, 10–14 indicate moderate anxiety, and 15–21 indicate severe anxiety. A score of 10 or higher is commonly used as a cut-point for clinically significant anxiety warranting further evaluation or treatment.
Over what time period does the GAD-7 ask about symptoms?
All seven questions on the GAD-7 ask how often you have been bothered by each symptom over the last 2 weeks. This 2-week reference period is standard for capturing current anxiety severity rather than lifetime symptoms. You might also find our Epworth Sleepiness Scale Calculator useful.
What is the 8th question about difficulty, and does it affect the score?
The 8th item asks how much your anxiety symptoms have made it difficult to do your work, handle things at home, or get along with others. This question assesses functional impairment but is NOT included in the GAD-7 total score — it provides additional clinical context about how much anxiety is affecting your daily life.
How accurate is the GAD-7 for diagnosing anxiety disorders?
The GAD-7 has strong psychometric properties for a screening tool. At a cut-point of 10, it demonstrates a sensitivity of approximately 89% and specificity of 82% for generalized anxiety disorder. It also performs well for screening panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD. However, it is a screening tool and not a diagnostic instrument — a formal diagnosis requires clinical evaluation.
Can the GAD-7 be used to monitor treatment progress?
Yes. The GAD-7 is widely used in clinical settings to track changes in anxiety severity over time and in response to treatment. Repeating the questionnaire at regular intervals allows clinicians and patients to objectively measure whether symptoms are improving, stable, or worsening.
Should I see a doctor if my GAD-7 score is high?
If your score is 10 or above, it is recommended to discuss the results with a qualified healthcare provider. A score in the moderate-to-severe range (10–21) suggests that anxiety may be significantly affecting your well-being and that professional evaluation, and possibly treatment, is warranted. This calculator is a screening tool only and does not replace a clinical assessment.