About the GAD-7

The GAD-7 was published in 2006 by the same team that made the PHQ-9 and is the standard brief anxiety screener. Seven questions, each rated by frequency over two weeks, scored 0 to 21. Like the PHQ-9 it is free to reproduce and sensitive to change over treatment.

What is a normal GAD-7 score?

0 to 4 minimal, 5 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 21 severe. Ten or more is the usual cutoff for a closer look.

What does the GAD-7 measure?

Generalized anxiety symptoms over the last two weeks: nervousness, uncontrollable worry, restlessness, irritability, and dread. It also screens reasonably well for panic and social anxiety.

How often should I take it?

Every one to two weeks, the same as the PHQ-9; the two are usually taken together.

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. Page reviewed by Michael RoBards, LCSW, September 2026.