Key facts
- Score direction
- Lower is better
- Meaningful change
- A change of approximately 4-5 points on the GAD-7 total score is often considered clinically meaningful, though exact thresholds vary by study population and context.
- Scoring
- Each of the seven items is scored from 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). The total score is the sum of all item scores, ranging from 0 to 21. All items are weighted equally; there are no subscales. The questionnair…
- Time to complete
- 2 min
- Questions
- 7
- Licensing
- Available free of charge; Patient Watch charges only for platform services
About the GAD-7
The GAD-7 is a short, self-administered questionnaire that takes about two minutes to complete. It is suitable for primary care, specialist mental health services, and research. Scores help clinicians identify patients who may benefit from further assessment or intervention for anxiety. The measure has strong psychometric properties and performs well as a screening tool alongside clinical judgement.
Medical Specialties
Anatomic Areas
Clinical Indications
Developer Information
The GAD-7 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Kurt Kroenke, Janet B.W. Williams, and Bernd Löwe, building on the Patient Health Questionnaire family. It was first published in 2006.
Copyright & Licensing
The GAD-7 is widely reproduced for clinical and research use (including by organisations such as AHRQ and NHS England). Usage terms may vary by setting; confirm local copyright and licensing requirements for commercial or adapted materials.
Administration Instructions
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Scoring Methodology
Each of the seven items is scored from 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). The total score is the sum of all item scores, ranging from 0 to 21. All items are weighted equally; there are no subscales. The questionnaire refers to symptoms experienced over the last two weeks.
Meaningful Change Threshold
A change of approximately 4-5 points on the GAD-7 total score is often considered clinically meaningful, though exact thresholds vary by study population and context.
Score Interpretation
Understanding what your score means
minimal
0 - 4Minimal anxiety - Patient reports few or no anxiety symptoms in the past two weeks.
mild
5 - 9Mild anxiety - Some symptoms present; consider monitoring, psychoeducation, or brief interventions.
moderate
10 - 14Moderate anxiety - Significant symptoms; further assessment and treatment planning are appropriate.
severe
15 - 21Severe anxiety - Substantial symptom burden; active treatment and closer follow-up are typically indicated.
Subscales
This questionnaire measures multiple dimensions
Clinical Limitations & Considerations
The GAD-7 is a screening and severity measure, not a standalone diagnostic instrument. A structured clinical assessment is required to diagnose generalised anxiety disorder or other conditions. Scores reflect the past two weeks only. Cultural and language factors can affect responses; use validated translations where available. Comorbid depression or physical health problems may influence scores.
Supporting Literature
Key validation and development studies for the GAD-7
- 1
A Brief Measure for Assessing Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The GAD-7
Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Löwe B
Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006
Used in Literature
Studies and publications that have used the GAD-7
- 1
The GAD-7 scale was accurate for diagnosing generalised anxiety disorder
Manea L, Gilbody S, McMillan D
Evidence-Based Nursing, 2016
Frequently asked questions
What does a mild GAD-7 score mean?
A GAD-7 score of 5 to 9 is classified as mild. Mild anxiety - Some symptoms present; consider monitoring, psychoeducation, or brief interventions.
What does a severe GAD-7 score mean?
A GAD-7 score of 15 to 21 is classified as severe. Severe anxiety - Substantial symptom burden; active treatment and closer follow-up are typically indicated.
What does a minimal GAD-7 score mean?
A GAD-7 score of 0 to 4 is classified as minimal. Minimal anxiety - Patient reports few or no anxiety symptoms in the past two weeks.
What does a moderate GAD-7 score mean?
A GAD-7 score of 10 to 14 is classified as moderate. Moderate anxiety - Significant symptoms; further assessment and treatment planning are appropriate.
Related Outcome Measures
Other clinical questionnaires for similar specialties and conditions
This questionnaire is provided free of charge. Patient Watch charges only for platform services (data storage, automated reminders, analytics) - not for use of clinical instruments. This non-commercial model supports academic and clinical use.View full licensing disclosure