How to score the GAD-7
The client rates seven problems over the last two weeks: Not at all (0), Several days (1), More than half the days (2), Nearly every day (3). Add the answers for a total from 0 to 21.
Score a GAD-7 in seconds, in English or Hindi.
Open the calculatorWhat the score means
| Total | Severity |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal anxiety |
| 5–9 | Mild anxiety |
| 10–14 | Moderate anxiety |
| 15–21 | Severe anxiety |
A score of 10 or more is the usual cut-off for further assessment: in the original study it identified generalised anxiety disorder with 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity. The GAD-7 also picks up panic disorder, social anxiety and PTSD reasonably well, so a high score means "assess further", not "this is GAD".
Tracking change over time
- Reliable improvement: a drop of 4 points or more (the threshold NHS Talking Therapies uses).
- Below the cut-off: moving from 10 or more to under 10 is a common marker of recovery.
- Reliable deterioration: a rise of 4 points or more.
Pairing the GAD-7 with the PHQ-9 gives a quick picture of both anxiety and depression, which often occur together.
The GAD-2
The first two questions on their own form the GAD-2. A GAD-2 score of 3 or more suggests completing the full GAD-7. It is useful as a quick screen in a busy clinic.
Using the GAD-7 in Indian languages
Official translations exist for Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and more. Our Hindi GAD-7 calculator uses the official Hindi wording. In MindConnect you can send the GAD-7 to a client’s phone in their language and see scores charted over time.
Frequently asked questions
What GAD-7 score indicates anxiety?
A total of 10 or more is the common cut-off for further assessment of an anxiety disorder. Scores of 5, 10 and 15 mark mild, moderate and severe anxiety.
Is the GAD-7 free to use?
Yes. Like the PHQ-9, it was developed with an educational grant from Pfizer and no permission is required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute it.
Does the GAD-7 only detect generalised anxiety disorder?
No. It also performs reasonably as a screen for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and PTSD, so a high score calls for further assessment.