Complete the GAD-7 questionnaire to screen for generalised anxiety disorder symptoms. This validated 7-question tool is used by healthcare professionals worldwide.
This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It does not replace professional evaluation. Your responses are not stored or transmitted — all processing happens locally in your browser.
The GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is one of the most widely used and validated screening tools for anxiety. Developed by Drs. Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, and Lowe, it asks about symptoms experienced over the past two weeks.
You will be asked 7 questions. For each, select how often you have been bothered by the symptom described. The screening takes approximately 2 minutes to complete.
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It becomes a clinical concern when it is persistent, excessive, and interferes with daily functioning. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by chronic, exaggerated worry about everyday life events and activities, lasting at least six months.
GAD affects approximately 3-5% of the population and is twice as common in women as men. Effective treatments include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), medication (such as SSRIs), and lifestyle modifications including regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices. Early identification through screening tools like the GAD-7 can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes.
The GAD-7 is a validated screening questionnaire developed by Drs. Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, and Lowe. It is widely used in primary care and research settings to screen for generalised anxiety disorder and assess symptom severity. The GAD-7 asks about anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks.
The GAD-7 has excellent reliability and validity. At a cutoff score of 10, it has a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 82% for detecting generalised anxiety disorder. However, it is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A qualified healthcare professional should interpret results and make any diagnosis.
Consider seeking professional help if anxiety interferes with daily activities, work, relationships, or sleep. Moderate or higher scores on the GAD-7 (10+) suggest professional evaluation is warranted. If you experience panic attacks, persistent worry, or avoidance behaviours that limit your life, a mental health professional can provide effective treatments including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication.