Self-Test for Anxiety

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Self-Test for Anxiety

Overview

This questionnaire—called the GAD-7 screening tool—can help you find out if you might have an anxiety disorder that needs treatment. It calculates how many common symptoms you have and—based on your answers—suggests where you might be on a scale, from mild to severe anxiety.

GAD-7 stands for "generalized anxiety disorder" and the 7 questions in the tool. Choose one answer for each of the 7 questions below:

GAD-7 Screening Tool
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day
1. Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge0123
2. Not being able to stop or control worrying0123
3. Worrying too much about different things0123
4. Trouble relaxing0123
5. Being so restless that it's hard to sit still0123
6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable0123
7. Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen0123
Add up your results for each column
Total score (add column totals together)

What your total score means

Your total score is a guide to how severe your anxiety disorder may be.

  • 0 to 4 = mild anxiety
  • 5 to 9 = moderate anxiety
  • 10 to 14 = moderately severe anxiety
  • 15 to 21 = severe anxiety

If your score is 10 or higher, or if you feel that anxiety is affecting your daily life, call your doctor.

The GAD-7 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B. W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke, and colleagues, with an education grant from Pfizer, Inc.

Credits

Current as of: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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