GAD-7 Calculator

- May 10, 2025
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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.

What is the GAD-7 Calculator?

The GAD-7 Calculator is a valuable tool for assessing anxiety levels. Based on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, this calculator helps individuals understand their anxiety symptoms. It consists of a straightforward seven-question survey to gauge how often particular problems have affected them over the past two weeks. By answering these questions, users can receive a score that indicates the severity of their anxiety.

How the GAD-7 Works

To use the GAD-7 Calculator, users respond to seven specific questions. Each question asks about feelings and experiences related to anxiety. The scoring is simple; each response is given a value from 0 to 3. The total score can range from 0 to 21, providing a clear picture of the user's anxiety level.

Understanding Your Score

After completing the GAD-7 questionnaire, the result gives insight into your anxiety level. Here’s how to interpret the scores:

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

Who Should Use the GAD-7 Calculator?

This calculator can be beneficial for anyone who feels anxious or worries excessively. It’s a helpful tool for people wanting to check their anxiety levels and see if they should seek further support. Mental Health professionals might also use it to monitor patients’ anxiety over time. It’s straightforward and user-friendly, making it accessible for many individuals.

Functional Impact of Anxiety

The GAD-7 Calculator doesn’t just measure anxiety; it also prompts users to reflect on how these feelings affect their daily lives. Users are asked about the impact of anxiety on work, home life, and relationships. This aspect is crucial for understanding the real-world effects of anxiety beyond just the score.

What to Do After Getting Your Score

Once you’ve calculated your score, it’s important to take appropriate steps based on the results. Here are some recommendations:

  • Continue to monitor your anxiety levels regularly.
  • Practice stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and sleep.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

While the GAD-7 Calculator provides useful insights, it’s not a substitute for professional help. If you identify significant anxiety symptoms, consider consulting a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper assessment and help you explore treatment options tailored to your needs.

About the GAD-7 Scale

The GAD-7 scale was developed to identify generalized anxiety disorder and assess symptom severity. It’s widely recognised and validated for its effectiveness. Designed by notable researchers, it’s a trusted resource in both clinical and research settings, ensuring it meets high standards for accuracy and reliability.