Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems? Answer honestly — there are no right answers.
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Explore Online Therapy →What is the GAD-7 anxiety test?
The GAD-7 — short for Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale — is a brief, clinically-validated questionnaire that doctors and therapists use to screen for anxiety and gauge how severe it is. It asks how often, over the past two weeks, you've been bothered by seven common anxiety symptoms, such as feeling nervous or on edge, being unable to stop worrying, trouble relaxing, and feeling like something awful might happen. Each answer scores from 0 to 3, giving a total between 0 and 21.
What your GAD-7 score means
Your total score falls into one of four ranges:
| Score | Level | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal anxiety | Little to no anxiety right now — a good baseline to protect. |
| 5–9 | Mild anxiety | Some symptoms, at a manageable level. A great stage to build daily self-help habits. |
| 10–14 | Moderate anxiety | Affecting you more than half the days, and likely getting in the way of daily life. Worth talking to a professional. |
| 15–21 | Severe anxiety | Frequent, intense anxiety. A signal to reach out for support rather than push through alone. |
A score of 10 or higher is the usual cut-off where clinicians recommend a closer look.
Is this test a diagnosis?
No — and this matters. The GAD-7 is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A high score doesn't mean you definitely have an anxiety disorder, and a low score doesn't mean your feelings aren't valid. It's a snapshot of the last two weeks and a useful starting point for a conversation with a doctor, not a verdict. Only a qualified clinician can actually diagnose an anxiety disorder.
What to do based on your score
- Minimal or mild (0–9): Keep building good habits — sleep, movement, connection, and a simple daily practice. Try our free breathing exercise or grounding tool, and use the worry journal when a thought keeps looping.
- Moderate to severe (10+): Consider speaking with a doctor or a CBT therapist. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most effective, evidence-based treatment for anxiety. In-the-moment tools like breathing and grounding can help while you take that step.
How accurate is the GAD-7?
The GAD-7 is one of the most widely used and well-researched anxiety screening tools in the world, and it performs well at flagging generalised anxiety and other anxiety conditions. That said, no short questionnaire captures everything — it's a reliable signpost, not the full picture. If your score and how you feel don't match, trust that something is worth exploring, and talk it through with a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Are my answers private?
Completely. Everything is calculated in your own browser — your answers are never uploaded, sent, or stored on our servers.
How often can I take it?
As often as you like. Because it measures the last two weeks, retaking it every couple of weeks can help you track whether things are improving.
Is there a test for depression too?
Yes — the companion tool to the GAD-7 is the PHQ-9 for depression. If low mood is your main concern, our Depression Support Center is a good starting point.
What's the difference between the GAD-7 and a diagnosis?
The GAD-7 measures symptom severity; a diagnosis is a clinical judgement made by a professional who considers your history, context and how long symptoms have lasted. The test can start that conversation, not replace it.
Free tools to try next
Important: This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis, and it can't replace a professional assessment. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose an anxiety disorder. Your answers stay on your device and are never sent anywhere. The GAD-7 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues; it is free to use. If you're in crisis, contact a professional or a crisis line (988 in the US, Samaritans 116 123 in the UK & ROI).