Free Online GAD-7 Anxiety Test

Understanding Your GAD-7 Score: Scoring and Interpretation

The GAD-7 is scored out of 21. Each of the seven items is rated 0 to 3 based on how often you have been bothered by that symptom over the past two weeks. Your total score falls into one of four severity bands.

Score 0–4 — Minimal anxiety

Anxiety symptoms are minimal or absent. No clinical concern is indicated based on this screening.

No action is required. Reassess if symptoms increase or begin to affect daily functioning.

Score 5–9 — Mild anxiety

Mild anxiety symptoms are present. These may not yet meet full diagnostic criteria, but are worth monitoring, particularly if they persist.

Stress management and lifestyle strategies may help. Seek assessment if symptoms worsen or continue beyond two weeks.

Score 10–14 — Moderate anxiety

Clinically significant anxiety is likely, affecting daily functioning, relationships, or work performance.

A professional psychiatric evaluation is recommended to clarify the picture and discuss appropriate management.

Score 15–21 — Severe anxiety

Severe anxiety symptoms with substantial impact on daily life. This may be associated with panic disorder, social anxiety, or other anxiety conditions.

Prompt psychiatric assessment is advised. Evidence-based treatments are effective for anxiety disorders.

Anxiety Disorders the GAD-7 May Help Identify

The GAD-7 screens primarily for generalised anxiety, but an elevated score may also reflect symptoms of related conditions that benefit from professional assessment.

Generalised anxiety disorder — persistent, excessive worry across multiple areas of life.

Panic disorder — recurrent panic attacks with physical symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness, or chest tightness.

Social anxiety disorder — intense fear of social situations or of being judged by others.

Health anxiety — excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness.

Important Notes on This Screening

A screening score cannot confirm or rule out an anxiety disorder. Diagnosis requires a full clinical assessment, including history and consideration of how long symptoms have been present and how much they affect daily life.

Symptoms that resemble anxiety can also arise from thyroid conditions, certain medications, caffeine or stimulant use, substance withdrawal, sleep deprivation, or other mental health conditions such as depression. This is one reason professional assessment matters — identifying the cause guides appropriate management.

If your score is 10 or above, or if anxiety is affecting your work, studies, sleep, or relationships, a consultation with a qualified psychiatrist is recommended.

Clinical reference: Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Löwe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006;166(10):1092–1097.

This tool is provided for screening and educational purposes only and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis or replace professional medical advice.