GAD-7 Calculator

- May 10, 2025
| |

The GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7) is a 7-item screening tool used to assess anxiety severity. Complete the questionnaire to receive your anxiety assessment score.

GAD-7 Questionnaire

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?

Question Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day
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's hard to sit still
6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
7. Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen

About the GAD-7

The GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7) is a brief self-report scale developed to screen for generalised anxiety disorder and assess the severity of anxiety symptoms. It was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Kurt Kroenke, Janet B.W. Williams, and Bernd Löwe.

Scoring and Interpretation

The GAD-7 consists of 7 items, each scored from 0 to 3, providing a total score range of 0-21. The scores are interpreted as follows:

  • 0-4: Minimal anxiety
  • 5-9: Mild anxiety
  • 10-14: Moderate anxiety
  • 15-21: Severe anxiety

A score of 10 or greater on the GAD-7 represents a reasonable cut point for identifying cases of GAD that may require further evaluation.

Clinical Utility

The GAD-7 has been validated as a screening tool for generalised anxiety disorder and as a severity measure for monitoring treatment response. It is widely used in clinical practice and research due to its brevity, ease of completion, and good psychometric properties.

Studies have shown that the GAD-7 has good sensitivity (89%) and specificity (82%) for generalised anxiety disorder at a cut-off score of 10.

Limitations

While the GAD-7 is a valid screening tool, it should not be used alone for diagnostic purposes. Clinical diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider.

The GAD-7 primarily screens for generalised anxiety disorder and may not adequately detect other anxiety disorders like panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or specific phobias.

Understanding the GAD-7 Calculator

The GAD-7 calculator is a helpful tool designed to assess anxiety levels. It features a simple questionnaire with seven questions about feelings and behaviours over the past two weeks. By answering these questions, users can gain insight into their anxiety symptoms and how they might be affecting their lives.

How the GAD-7 Works

The GAD-7 is a straightforward self-assessment tool that asks about common anxiety symptoms. Each question offers four response options, ranging from "Not at all" to "Nearly every day." By selecting responses that best reflect their experiences, users can calculate a total score that indicates the severity of their anxiety.

What the Scores Mean

The GAD-7 calculator provides scores that help in understanding anxiety levels. The scoring range is 0 to 21, with different interpretations based on the total score. Here’s how the scores break down:

  • 0-4: Minimal anxiety
  • 5-9: Mild anxiety
  • 10-14: Moderate anxiety
  • 15-21: Severe anxiety

Exploring Anxiety Symptoms

The GAD-7 questionnaire covers various symptoms of anxiety, such as feeling restless or having trouble relaxing. These symptoms are common and can affect daily activities. By being aware of them, individuals can better understand their mental Health and seek help if needed.

Functional Impact of Anxiety

Along with the core questions, the GAD-7 calculator also includes a follow-up question regarding the impact of anxiety on daily life. Users reflect on whether anxiety has made it difficult to work, manage home responsibilities, or interact with others. This aspect provides valuable context to the numerical score.

Recommendations Based on Results

After the GAD-7 assessment, users receive tailored recommendations based on their scores. These suggestions often include:

  • Regular self-monitoring of anxiety symptoms
  • Practising stress management techniques
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with exercise and good sleep

When to Seek Professional Help

While the GAD-7 calculator offers insight into anxiety levels, it’s not a diagnostic tool. If scores indicate moderate to severe anxiety, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend further support or treatment options.

Benefits of Using the GAD-7 Calculator

The GAD-7 calculator is a practical resource for anyone looking to understand their anxiety better. It is user-friendly, easy to interpret, and provides immediate feedback. By taking this assessment, users can take the first step towards managing their anxiety and improving their overall well-being.