GAD-7 Calculator
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is a brief, widely validated screening tool that measures how often anxiety-related symptoms have troubled you over the past two weeks. Clinicians commonly use it alongside a full evaluation to gauge anxiety severity and monitor change over time.
How the score is calculated
You rate how often each of seven anxiety-related experiences has bothered you over the last two weeks on a 0–3 scale. The seven scores are summed for a total ranging from 0 to 21, with higher totals generally reflecting greater symptom intensity.
Important limitations
- The GAD-7 screens broadly for anxiety symptoms and does not distinguish between different anxiety disorders (panic, social anxiety, phobias, etc.).
- It is not a standalone diagnosis and does not account for medical causes of anxiety-like symptoms (e.g., thyroid conditions, stimulant use).
- Scores can be influenced by acute stressors that are not necessarily a disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GAD-7?
A seven-item questionnaire that screens for generalized anxiety symptoms and estimates their severity over the past two weeks.
How is the GAD-7 scored?
Each item is rated 0–3; the seven ratings are summed for a total score from 0 to 21.
Is a high GAD-7 score an anxiety diagnosis?
No. It indicates the level of anxiety symptoms reported, not a clinical diagnosis, which requires a full evaluation.
Can the GAD-7 be used with the PHQ-9?
Yes — many clinicians use both together since depression and anxiety symptoms frequently co-occur. See our combined PHQ-9 + GAD-7 tool.
How often should I retake the GAD-7?
It is commonly repeated every few weeks to monitor symptom trends, particularly during treatment.