GAD-7 vs MBI β Anxiety or Burnout?
GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) is a clinical screening tool measuring the severity of generalized anxiety over the past 2 weeks. It consists of 7 questions and is widely used by doctors worldwide. The score indicates mild, moderate, or severe anxiety levels.
MBI (Maslach Burnout Inventory) measures occupational burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. It is specific to the work context and describes chronic occupational stress rather than general mental health.
Anxiety and burnout symptoms can overlap (fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability), but their sources differ. Anxiety can occur independently of work, while burnout is directly tied to the professional environment.
When to use: Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)
- You experience anxiety unrelated to work
- You want a quick anxiety assessment (7 questions, 2 minutes)
- Symptoms: excessive worry, tension, sleep problems
When to use: Burnout Assessment β Oldenburg Burnout Inventory
- You feel emotionally exhausted by work
- You've become cynical toward clients or colleagues
- You feel your work has lost its meaning
Not sure? Take both tests!