Ponyatno
Mental health tests

GAD-7 anxiety test

The GAD-7 is a short, validated questionnaire for checking symptoms of anxiety, used in primary care and by NHS Talking Therapies services. It has 7 questions about the last 2 weeks and takes about a minute.

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

1. Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge

2. Not being able to stop or control worrying

3. Worrying too much about different things

4. Having trouble relaxing

5. Being so restless that it is hard to sit still

6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable

7. Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen

Please answer every question to see your result.

Your answers never leave this device: they are not sent anywhere or stored.

Your result

Please answer every question to see your result.

This result is a guide, not a diagnosis. Only a health professional can assess your situation. If your symptoms worry you or have lasted for weeks, speak to your GP or, in England, refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies.

About this test

The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) was developed by Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams and Löwe and published in 2006 after a study in primary care. It is used to check for symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder.

Each answer scores from 0 (“Not at all”) to 3 (“Nearly every day”). The total runs from 0 to 21: the higher it is, the stronger and more frequent your symptoms over the last 2 weeks.

It is a screening tool: it helps you decide whether to seek advice, but it is not a diagnosis. Some physical causes (an overactive thyroid, too much caffeine, lack of sleep) can produce similar symptoms.

What your score means

0–4Minimal anxiety
5–9Mild anxiety
10–14Moderate anxiety
15–21Severe anxiety

When to get help

If you score 10 or more, or your anxiety has lasted for weeks and stops you working, sleeping or seeing people, book an appointment with your GP. In England you can also refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP.

If you feel you can't cope or you're thinking about harming yourself, call Samaritans free on 116 123 (24 hours a day), text SHOUT to 85258, or call 999 or go to A&E if you are in danger.

Frequently asked questions

Can the GAD-7 diagnose an anxiety disorder?

No. It is a screening questionnaire that gives an idea of how strong your symptoms are. A diagnosis is made by a health professional.

What GAD-7 score is considered high?

In the original study, 10 or more points to at least moderate anxiety and 15 or more to severe anxiety. These cut-offs are a guide only.

Can I refer myself for help with anxiety?

In England, yes: if you are registered with a GP and aged 18 or over (16 or over in some areas), you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without speaking to a GP. Services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland work differently, so start with your GP there.

How often can I take the test?

It asks about the last 2 weeks, so it makes sense to repeat it every 2–4 weeks to see how things change.

Are my answers saved?

No. Your result is calculated in your browser and nothing is sent to any server.

Sources

Reviewed on 30.10.2026

  1. Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JB, Löwe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(10):1092-1097.
  2. García-Campayo J, Zamorano E, Ruiz MA, et al. Cultural adaptation into Spanish of the generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale as a screening tool. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2010;8:8.
  3. PHQ Screeners (Pfizer) — versión oficial en español de España: phqscreeners.com
  4. NHS: NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression (self-referral) — https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/
  5. NHS England: NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression manual — https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/the-improving-access-to-psychological-therapies-manual/
  6. NHS: Where to get urgent help for mental health — https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

Developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute.

Other tests