Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) is a widely used screening tool for assessing anxiety symptoms. This brief but effective questionnaire helps identify the presence and severity of anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks. The GAD-7 is valued by healthcare providers for its simplicity and reliability in screening for anxiety disorders.
Last Updated: 4 February, 2025
- Length: 2 minutes
- Questions: 7 questions
- Sensitivity: 89%
- Specificity: 82%
About the GAD-7
The GAD-7 is a practical tool for screening for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and assessing its severity in clinical practice and research. Healthcare providers widely use this tool due to its:
- Strong validation across diverse populations
- Ability to monitor anxiety severity over time
- Brief format that maintains high accuracy
- Alignment with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders
The questionnaire evaluates the frequency of various anxiety symptoms, including nervousness, worrying, restlessness, and difficulty relaxing. This comprehensive approach helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment planning.
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GAD-7 Online Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
The GAD-7 measures the severity of anxiety symptoms based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. It assesses key areas including nervousness, anxiety, worrying, trouble relaxing, restlessness, irritability, and fear over the past two weeks.
The GAD-7 has been extensively validated with a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 82% (Spitzer et al., 2006). This means it's effective at identifying both the presence and absence of generalized anxiety disorder. However, it should be used as part of a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional.
If you receive a high score on the GAD-7, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider or mental health professional. They can provide a proper evaluation and discuss appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or other interventions based on your specific needs.
While the GAD-7 is a valuable screening tool, it cannot provide a definitive diagnosis on its own. A diagnosis of an anxiety disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional who will consider multiple factors, including your complete medical history, life circumstances, and other symptoms.