Free Anxiety Test (GAD-7) Online
Take the GAD-7 anxiety screening questionnaire used by doctors and mental health professionals worldwide. 7 questions, takes about 1 minute. Your answers are 100% private and never leave your browser.
What Is the GAD-7?
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is a validated screening tool developed by Drs. Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams, and Kurt Kroenke. It is used by healthcare providers around the world to quickly assess the severity of generalized anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks. The GAD-7 is recommended by the WHO and endorsed by numerous medical organizations as a reliable first-step screener.
When to Seek Help
If your GAD-7 score falls in the moderate (10-14) or severe (15-21) range, consider scheduling an appointment with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. You should also seek help if anxiety is interfering with your daily life, work, relationships, or sleep, regardless of your score. Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions, with effective options including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and lifestyle changes.
Normal Worry vs. Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences worry from time to time. Normal worry tends to be proportional to the situation, temporary, and manageable. An anxiety disorder, by contrast, involves persistent, excessive worry that is difficult to control, lasts for weeks or months, and causes physical symptoms like muscle tension, fatigue, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. If worry dominates your thinking and impacts your ability to function, it may be more than just everyday stress.
How the Anxiety Test Scoring Works
Each of the 7 questions is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), giving a total score range of 0 to 21. Scores of 0-4 indicate minimal anxiety, 5-9 mild anxiety, 10-14 moderate anxiety, and 15-21 severe anxiety. The GAD-7 has been validated with a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 82% for detecting generalized anxiety disorder at a cutoff score of 10.
Managing Anxiety: Evidence-Based Strategies
Research-backed approaches to managing anxiety include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps reframe anxious thoughts; regular physical exercise, which reduces cortisol and increases endorphins; mindfulness meditation, which trains the brain to stay present; adequate sleep hygiene; limiting caffeine and alcohol; and building a strong social support network. Many people benefit from a combination of professional therapy and lifestyle changes. If anxiety significantly impacts your daily life, consult a mental health professional for personalized guidance.