How it's calculated
Seven items are each scored 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), for a total of 0-21, screening for generalised anxiety disorder severity over the past 2 weeks.
Score interpretation
| Score | Severity |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | Minimal anxiety |
| 5-9 | Mild anxiety |
| 10-14 | Moderate anxiety |
| 15-21 | Severe anxiety |
Clinical use
- A score of 10 or higher is a commonly used cutoff for referral to further clinical evaluation for generalised anxiety disorder.
- GAD-7 is a screening and severity-tracking tool, not a diagnostic instrument — a formal diagnosis requires clinical assessment against DSM/ICD criteria.
- Often used alongside PHQ-9 in primary care, since anxiety and depressive symptoms frequently co-occur.
- Useful for tracking symptom change over time in a patient already engaged in treatment, not just for initial screening.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GAD-7 used for?
It screens for and estimates the severity of generalised anxiety disorder symptoms over the past two weeks, using seven self-reported items.
What score suggests a need for further evaluation?
A total score of 10 or higher is a widely used cutoff for referral to further clinical assessment, though clinical judgement should always take priority over the number alone.
Is GAD-7 a diagnostic tool?
No — it is a screening and severity-tracking questionnaire. A formal anxiety disorder diagnosis requires a full clinical evaluation.
Can GAD-7 be used alongside PHQ-9?
Yes — the two are frequently used together in primary care since anxiety and depressive symptoms commonly overlap.
References
- Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JB, Löwe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(10):1092-1097.
- Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB, Monahan PO, Löwe B. Anxiety disorders in primary care: prevalence, impairment, comorbidity, and detection. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146(5):317-325.