The GAD-7 was developed in 2006 and is used worldwide to screen for generalized anxiety disorder and to track treatment. A score of 10 or more identifies most cases of GAD and also picks up panic disorder, social anxiety and PTSD.
How to use the GAD-7 Anxiety Test Calculator
- 1. Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge
- 2. Not being able to stop or control worrying
- 3. Worrying too much about different things
- 4. Trouble relaxing
- 5. Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
- 6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
- 7. Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation.
Scoring table
| Item | Answers and points |
|---|---|
| 1. Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge | Not at all = 0; Several days = 1; More than half the days = 2; Nearly every day = 3 |
| 2. Not being able to stop or control worrying | Not at all = 0; Several days = 1; More than half the days = 2; Nearly every day = 3 |
| 3. Worrying too much about different things | Not at all = 0; Several days = 1; More than half the days = 2; Nearly every day = 3 |
| 4. Trouble relaxing | Not at all = 0; Several days = 1; More than half the days = 2; Nearly every day = 3 |
| 5. Being so restless that it is hard to sit still | Not at all = 0; Several days = 1; More than half the days = 2; Nearly every day = 3 |
| 6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable | Not at all = 0; Several days = 1; More than half the days = 2; Nearly every day = 3 |
| 7. Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen | Not at all = 0; Several days = 1; More than half the days = 2; Nearly every day = 3 |
Tips
- Answer based on the last two weeks, as the questionnaires ask.
- Screening scores are a starting point for a conversation with a professional.
- Repeat the questionnaire every few weeks to track change.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a crisis line or emergency services now.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating a screening score as a diagnosis.
- Answering for how you want to feel rather than how you have felt.
- Waiting for a “high enough” score before asking for help.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| 1. Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge | Choose one: Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day |
| 2. Not being able to stop or control worrying | Choose one: Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day |
| 3. Worrying too much about different things | Choose one: Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day |
| 4. Trouble relaxing | Choose one: Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day |
| 5. Being so restless that it is hard to sit still | Choose one: Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day |
| 6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable | Choose one: Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day |
| 7. Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen | Choose one: Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
Score = sum of the points for each item
Worked example
Inputs — 1. Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge: Several days; 2. Not being able to stop or control worrying: Several days; 3. Worrying too much about different things: Several days; 4. Trouble relaxing: Several days; 5. Being so restless that it is hard to sit still: Not at all; 6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable: Several days; 7. Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen: Not at all.
Results — GAD-7 score = 5 / 21; Anxiety severity = Mild; Further evaluation recommended? = Not usually needed.
Key terms
- GAD
- Generalized anxiety disorder.
Frequently asked questions
What does my GAD-7 score mean?
0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate and 15–21 severe anxiety.
Is the GAD-7 a diagnosis?
No – it is a screening tool; a professional needs to confirm a diagnosis.
What helps with anxiety?
Cognitive behavioural therapy, some medicines, exercise, good sleep and reducing caffeine and alcohol.