Clinical Screening Tool

Anxiety Test & GAD-7 Screening

Take this confidential anxiety assessment based on the research-validated GAD-7 questionnaire (Spitzer et al., 2006). Get insights into your anxiety levels and personalized coping strategies backed by clinical research.

5-7 minutes

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GAD-7 validated tool

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Anxiety Test - GAD-7 Assessment

Take this validated anxiety screening based on the GAD-7 questionnaire. Get personalized coping strategies and know when to seek professional support.

By Peony Health Team
GAD-7 validated screening
Quick 3-minute test
Personalized coping strategies

About the GAD-7 Anxiety Assessment

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is the most widely used anxiety screening tool in clinical practice. Developed by leading researchers and validated in extensive studies, it helps identify anxiety symptoms and their severity. This assessment is used by healthcare providers worldwide to guide treatment decisions and monitor progress in anxiety management.

GAD-7 Anxiety Assessment

A clinically validated screening tool (Spitzer et al., 2006) with proven reliability. Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?

1. Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge

References

  1. 1.

    Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. *Archives of Internal Medicine*, 166(10), 1092-1097

  2. 2.

    Löwe, B., Decker, O., Müller, S., et al. (2008). Validation and standardization of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) in the general population. *Medical Care*, 46(3), 266-274

  3. 3.

    Plummer, F., Manea, L., Trepel, D., & McMillan, D. (2016). Screening for anxiety disorders with the GAD-7 and GAD-2: a systematic review and diagnostic metaanalysis. *General Hospital Psychiatry*, 39, 24-31

Frequently Asked Questions

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is a validated screening tool developed by Spitzer et al. in 2006. It has excellent reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.92) and demonstrates 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity for detecting generalized anxiety disorder. It's widely used by healthcare professionals for anxiety screening.

GAD-7 scores range from 0-21. Scores of 0-4 suggest minimal anxiety, 5-9 mild anxiety, 10-14 moderate anxiety, and 15-21 severe anxiety. Scores of 10 or higher typically indicate clinically significant anxiety that may benefit from professional evaluation and treatment.

Normal anxiety is temporary and proportional to stressors. Anxiety disorders involve excessive, persistent worry that interferes with daily functioning. The GAD-7 helps identify when anxiety symptoms cross from normal responses into patterns that may require professional support.

For moderate to severe anxiety (GAD-7 scores 10+), consider speaking with a mental health professional. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for anxiety disorders, with response rates of 60-80%. Medication may also be helpful, and many people benefit from a combination of therapy and lifestyle changes.

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Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides educational estimates based on established formulas and is not intended as medical advice. Individual results may vary. For personalized guidance, consult with healthcare professionals through our platform.

About the GAD-7

The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a validated screening tool developed by Spitzer et al. (2006) and used by healthcare professionals worldwide to assess anxiety severity. Research demonstrates high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.92) and strong diagnostic accuracy.

Scoring Interpretation:

  • • 0-4: Minimal anxiety
  • • 5-9: Mild anxiety
  • • 10-14: Moderate anxiety
  • • 15-21: Severe anxiety

Cut-points validated through meta-analysis (Plummer et al., 2016) with pooled sensitivity of 68-88% and specificity of 88-95% across anxiety disorders.

This tool helps identify potential anxiety concerns but is not a diagnostic instrument. Professional evaluation is recommended for diagnosis and treatment.

When to Seek Help

Consider reaching out to a mental health professional if you experience:

  • • Anxiety that interferes with daily activities
  • • Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or sweating
  • • Difficulty controlling worry
  • • Avoidance of social situations
  • • Sleep disturbances due to anxiety
  • • Panic attacks or intense fear episodes

Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Common Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety can manifest in various ways. Here are common symptoms across different categories:

Physical Symptoms

  • • Rapid heartbeat
  • • Sweating or trembling
  • • Shortness of breath
  • • Muscle tension
  • • Fatigue
  • • Headaches

Emotional Symptoms

  • • Excessive worry
  • • Feeling on edge
  • • Irritability
  • • Fear of losing control
  • • Sense of impending doom
  • • Restlessness

Behavioral Symptoms

  • • Avoiding situations
  • • Difficulty concentrating
  • • Sleep problems
  • • Procrastination
  • • Seeking reassurance
  • • Compulsive behaviors

Medical Disclaimer: This anxiety screening tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any mental health condition. The GAD-7 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Only qualified healthcare professionals can diagnose anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing severe anxiety or having thoughts of self-harm, please seek immediate help by calling 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or going to your nearest emergency room.