GAD-7 Anxiety Scale
Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale for anxiety screening and severity assessment. Validated clinical tool.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
1Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
Select one option for each question
2Not being able to stop or control worrying
3Worrying too much about different things
4Trouble relaxing
5Being so restless that it's hard to sit still
6Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
7Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen
GAD-7 Score
Answer all 7 questions to see your score
Scoring Guide
Clinical Note: A score ≥10 suggests clinically significant anxiety (89% sensitivity, 82% specificity for GAD). The GAD-7 also has moderate sensitivity for panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD.
Note: The GAD-7 is a screening tool. Results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional and confirmed with clinical evaluation.
About This Calculator
The GAD-7 is a validated 7-item screening tool for generalized anxiety disorder. It is derived from the DSM-IV criteria and has good sensitivity and specificity for detecting GAD. The GAD-7 can also be used to screen for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and PTSD.
Formula
Total Score = Sum of all 7 item scores (0-21)Each of the 7 items is scored 0-3: • 0 = Not at all • 1 = Several days • 2 = More than half the days • 3 = Nearly every day Total score ranges from 0 to 21.
Clinical Considerations
- •GAD-7 is a screening tool - clinical evaluation is required for diagnosis
- •Consider comorbid depression - often co-occurs with anxiety
- •Assess for substance use which may mimic or exacerbate anxiety
Limitations
- •Primarily validated for generalized anxiety disorder
- •May not capture all anxiety presentations
- •Self-report subject to recall and response bias
- •Does not assess specific phobias or OCD
Interpretation Guide
| Range | Classification | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| <-4 | Minimal Anxiety | No treatment typically indicated; monitor as needed |
| 5-9 | Mild Anxiety | Watchful waiting; repeat GAD-7 at follow-up; consider self-help strategies |
| 10-14 | Moderate Anxiety | Further evaluation warranted; consider counseling and/or pharmacotherapy |
| 15-21 | Severe Anxiety | Active treatment indicated; likely warrants combination of therapy and medication |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GAD-7?
The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a validated screening tool for anxiety. It assesses the frequency of anxiety symptoms over the past 2 weeks and can help identify individuals who may benefit from further evaluation or treatment.
How is the GAD-7 scored?
Each of the 7 questions is scored 0-3 based on symptom frequency. Total scores range from 0-21. Cut-points of 5, 10, and 15 represent mild, moderate, and severe anxiety levels respectively.
What score suggests a GAD diagnosis?
A GAD-7 score ≥10 has 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity for generalized anxiety disorder. However, diagnosis requires clinical confirmation. The GAD-7 is a screening tool and should be followed by clinical interview.
Can the GAD-7 detect other anxiety disorders?
Yes, while designed for GAD, the GAD-7 also has reasonable sensitivity for panic disorder (74%), social anxiety disorder (72%), and PTSD (66%). It can serve as a general anxiety screener.
How often should GAD-7 be administered?
For monitoring treatment response, GAD-7 can be administered at baseline and regular intervals (every 2-4 weeks initially). A change of 4+ points is considered clinically meaningful.
References
1. Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JB, Löwe B. A Brief Measure for Assessing Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The GAD-7. Arch Intern Med. 2006. doi: 10.1001/archinte.166.10.1092
View Source →2. Pfizer Inc.. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7). 2005
View Source →Last updated: 2024-12-18
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