GAD-7 anxiety test — Generalised Anxiety Disorder symptoms & screening

What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Everyone worries sometimes. But Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is more than ordinary worry. It is chronic, excessive and difficult-to-control worry across multiple life domains at once — work, family, health, finances — that lasts at least 6 months and impairs daily functioning.

GAD affects about 3–5% of adults over their lifetime, though many never receive a diagnosis because symptoms are dismissed as "personality" or "over-sensitivity."

Symptoms of GAD

According to DSM-5, a GAD diagnosis requires at least 3 of 6 symptoms:

• Restlessness, feeling "on edge"
• Being easily fatigued
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance (trouble falling asleep, restless sleep)

The key criterion is that the worry is hard to control — people with GAD often realise they worry "too much" but cannot make it stop.

GAD vs stress — what's the difference?

The GAD-7 scale — how doctors use it

The GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale), developed by Spitzer et al. in 2006, is the gold standard for anxiety screening in primary care. It is used by the WHO, the NHS (United Kingdom) and Polish primary care protocols.

It consists of 7 questions scored on a 0–3 scale (0 = not at all, 3 = nearly every day). Total score:

A score ≥ 10 is considered the threshold for further clinical assessment.

Important: GAD-7 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A high score means it is worth speaking with a doctor or psychologist — it does not automatically mean a GAD diagnosis.

What helps with anxiety?

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most well-researched and most effective treatment for GAD. It typically takes 12–20 sessions. It helps you identify and change maladaptive thinking patterns.

Medication

Medicines from the SSRI group (e.g. sertraline, escitalopram) and SNRIs are effective in the long-term treatment of GAD. The decision about medication is made by a psychiatrist.

Self-help techniques (complementing, not replacing, therapy):

• Mindfulness — research confirms it reduces GAD symptoms
• Regular physical activity — at least 150 min/week of moderate exercise
• Cutting down on caffeine and alcohol — both intensify anxiety symptoms
• Breathing techniques — diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system

When to seek help?

See a doctor or psychologist when:

• Worry makes everyday functioning hard (work, relationships, rest)
• You feel powerless against your own thoughts
• You have physical symptoms (tension, headaches, stomach problems) with no organic cause
• You avoid situations that trigger anxiety (this deepens the problem)

Anxiety is one of the most treatable mental health conditions — early help significantly increases the chances of a full recovery.

Take our free GAD-7 Anxiety Scale to get an initial indication of your anxiety level. For any concerns, please consult a qualified mental health professional.