Generalized Anxiety Disorder Test (GAD-7)

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) is a brief self-report questionnaire used to screen for and assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorder.
This scale was developed by Spitzer et al. in 2006 and has been widely used in clinical practice and research.
By answering 7 simple questions, you can understand your anxiety level and receive appropriate recommendations.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)

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

0 / 7 questions completed

QuestionNot at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day
Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
Not being able to stop or control worrying
Worrying too much about different things
Trouble relaxing
Being so restless that it's hard to sit still
Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen
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What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety disorder characterized by persistent, excessive worry and tension that is difficult to control. This worry typically involves multiple aspects of daily life, such as work, health, family, and finances.

People with GAD often feel continuous anxiety, even without obvious reasons. This anxiety interferes with daily life and normal functioning, causing physical and psychological discomfort.

Development and Validation of the GAD-7 Scale

The GAD-7 scale was developed by Robert L. Spitzer, Kurt Kroenke, and their colleagues in 2006. It is a brief self-assessment tool used to screen for and assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorder. The scale contains 7 questions that evaluate the frequency of anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks.

Research has shown that the GAD-7 scale has good reliability and validity, making it an effective tool for assessing anxiety symptoms. It can be used not only to screen for GAD but also to monitor treatment response and evaluate symptom severity.

Common Symptoms of GAD

  • Persistent worry and tension
  • Restlessness, feeling tense or on edge
  • Easy fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
  • Irritability
  • Muscle tension
  • Sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or restless sleep)

How to Interpret GAD-7 Scores

The total score range for the GAD-7 scale is 0-21 points, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety symptoms. According to research, scores can be interpreted as follows:

  • 0-4 points: Minimal anxiety, usually requires no special intervention
  • 5-9 points: Mild anxiety, may need monitoring
  • 10-14 points: Moderate anxiety, further evaluation and possible treatment recommended
  • 15-21 points: Severe anxiety, active treatment needed

Strategies for Managing Anxiety

Lifestyle Adjustments

  • Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
  • Healthy diet: Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
  • Adequate sleep: Maintain a regular sleep schedule
  • Stress management: Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga

Psychological Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Learn to accept uncomfortable feelings and focus on value-oriented actions
  • Mindfulness Therapy: Cultivate present-moment awareness, reducing worry about the past or future

Medication

Under a doctor's guidance, certain medications may help manage anxiety symptoms, including:

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Benzodiazepines (short-term use)
  • Buspirone
Important Note: This test is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have severe anxiety symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional.

References

  • Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Archives of internal medicine, 166(10), 1092-1097. DOI: 10.1001/archinte.166.10.1092
  • Löwe, B., Decker, O., Müller, S., Brähler, E., Schellberg, D., Herzog, W., & Herzberg, P. Y. (2008). Validation and standardization of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) in the general population. Medical care, 46(3), 266-274. DOI: 10.1097/MLR.0b013e318160d093
  • Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., Williams, J. B., Monahan, P. O., & Löwe, B. (2007). Anxiety disorders in primary care: prevalence, impairment, comorbidity, and detection. Annals of internal medicine, 146(5), 317-325. DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-146-5-200703060-00004