Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) is a brief self-report questionnaire used to screen for and assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorder.

The scale was developed by Spitzer et al. in 2006 and has been widely used in clinical practice and research.

By answering 7 simple questions, you can understand your anxiety level and receive appropriate recommendations.

How this test works

Method notes for the instrument used on this page: source, scoring, how we run it online, and what the result cannot tell you.

Instrument: Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7)
Source: Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10), 1092-1097. doi:10.1001/archinte.166.10.1092
Items and scoring: 7 items, each rated 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day) over the past two weeks; total score 0-21.
Score bands: 5-9: mild
10-14: moderate
15-21: severe
How we run it online: All 7 items are shown with the standard 0-3 response scale; scoring is the unweighted sum.
The result is presented as a total plus a severity band, with no percentile or norm comparison.
Scoring runs in your browser during a single session; no account is required.
Limitations: This is a self-report screening questionnaire, not a diagnostic interview.
The GAD-7 was developed as a brief screen for generalised anxiety; it does not distinguish between anxiety disorders.
Responses come from a self-selected online sample, so no population norms are claimed.
How to cite: Kuakua. (2026). GAD-7 Anxiety Test. https://kuakua.app/test/gad-7 — instrument: Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams & Löwe (2006), doi:10.1001/archinte.166.10.1092

Show Details

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety disorder characterized by persistent, excessive worry and tension that is difficult to control. This worry typically involves multiple aspects of daily life, such as work, health, family, and finances.

People with GAD often feel continuous anxiety, even without obvious reasons. This anxiety interferes with daily life and normal functioning, causing physical and psychological discomfort.

Development and Validation of the GAD-7 Scale

The GAD-7 scale was developed by Robert L. Spitzer, Kurt Kroenke, and colleagues in 2006. It is a brief self-assessment tool used to screen for and assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorder. The scale contains 7 questions that evaluate the frequency of anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks.

Research has shown that the GAD-7 scale has good reliability and validity, making it an effective tool for assessing anxiety symptoms. It can be used not only to screen for GAD but also to monitor treatment response and evaluate symptom severity.

Common Symptoms of GAD

Persistent worry and tension
Restlessness, feeling tense or on edge
Easy fatigue
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Irritability
Muscle tension
Sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or restless sleep)

How to Interpret GAD-7 Scores

The total score range for the GAD-7 scale is 0–21 points, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety symptoms. Scores can be interpreted as follows:

0–4 points: Minimal anxiety, usually requires no special intervention
5–9 points: Mild anxiety, may need monitoring
10–14 points: Moderate anxiety, further evaluation and possible treatment recommended
15–21 points: Severe anxiety, active treatment needed

Strategies for Managing Anxiety

Lifestyle Adjustments

Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
Healthy diet: Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
Adequate sleep: Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Stress management: Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga

Psychological Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Learn to accept uncomfortable feelings and focus on value-oriented actions
Mindfulness Therapy: Cultivate present-moment awareness to reduce worry about the past or future

Medication

Under a doctor's guidance, certain medications may help manage anxiety symptoms, including:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Benzodiazepines (short-term use)
Buspirone

Note: This test is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have severe anxiety symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional.

References

Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Archives of internal medicine, 166(10), 1092-1097. DOI: 10.1001/archinte.166.10.1092

This test is for educational and self-reflection purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B. W., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: The GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10), 1092-1097. 10.1001/archinte.166.10.1092
Löwe, B., Decker, O., Müller, S., Brähler, E., Schellberg, D., Herzog, W., & Herzberg, P. Y. (2008). Validation and standardization of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) in the general population. Medical Care, 46(3), 266-274. 10.1097/MLR.0b013e318160d093

Frequently Asked Questions

Have another question? Let us know.

What is the GAD-7?

The GAD-7 is a 7-item screening questionnaire for generalized anxiety disorder, developed by Spitzer and colleagues in 2006. It asks how often you have been bothered by anxiety symptoms over the last two weeks.

What do GAD-7 scores mean?

Scores range 0-21. Common cutoffs are: 5 (mild), 10 (moderate), and 15 (severe anxiety symptoms). A score of 10 or more is often used as the threshold for a possible clinical concern.

Is the GAD-7 a diagnosis?

No. The GAD-7 is a screening tool: it signals whether anxiety symptoms are present at a meaningful level. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose an anxiety disorder.

How often can I take the GAD-7?

Because it asks about the last two weeks, it is well suited to tracking change over time — for example every two to four weeks. Note your score each time so you can see the trend rather than a single reading.