What your GAD-7 score means
The GAD-7 is a seven-question questionnaire about anxiety symptoms over the last two weeks [1]. It was built to pick out likely cases of generalised anxiety disorder and to measure how severe the symptoms are [1]. This guide explains what the total means, how well the usual cut-off works, and what a score cannot settle.
How the total is worked out
Each question asks how often a problem has bothered you during the last two weeks. The answers are "not at all", "several days", "more than half the days" and "nearly every day", scored 0, 1, 2 and 3 [1]. With seven questions, the total runs from 0 to 21 [1].
The bands
The authors suggested that cut points of 5, 10 and 15 might be read as mild, moderate and severe levels of anxiety [1].
| Total score | Band |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | Minimal |
| 5-9 | Mild |
| 10-14 | Moderate |
| 15-21 | Severe |
Higher scores went with more difficulty in daily life. In the original study, rising scores were strongly linked with problems across several areas of functioning and with more days lost to disability [1].
How well a score of 10 works
The original study. 2,740 adults in 15 primary care clinics filled in the GAD-7, and 965 also had a telephone interview with a mental health professional [1]. At a cut-off of 10, the GAD-7 had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 82% for generalised anxiety disorder [1].
What that leaves out. In the same study, the positive predictive value at 10 was 29% [1]. Put simply, most people in that clinic group who scored 10 or more did not turn out to have generalised anxiety disorder on interview. A high score is a reason to ask more questions, not an answer.
The wider evidence. A 2016 review found the GAD-7 performed acceptably at cut-offs from 7 to 10 [2]. A 2025 Cochrane review pooled 48 studies with 19,228 people from 27 countries [3]. At a cut-off of 10, the GAD-7 picked up 64% of people with generalised anxiety disorder and correctly cleared 91% of people without it [3]. For any anxiety disorder, it picked up 48% [3]. The reviewers said these figures should be read as rough averages, because the studies varied so much [3].
The gap between the first study and the Cochrane review matters. It means a score under 10 does not rule a problem out. If anxiety is getting in the way of your life, that counts more than where your total lands.
Other kinds of anxiety. In a primary care study, the GAD-7 also worked reasonably well as a first screen for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder [4]. It cannot tell these apart.
What a score cannot settle
- Whether it is generalised anxiety disorder. Most people feel anxious sometimes, and that does not always mean generalised anxiety disorder [5]. It is more likely if you feel anxious most of the time and it affects your everyday life [5]. That takes a conversation with a professional, not a questionnaire alone.
- Anything beyond the last two weeks. The questions only look back two weeks [1].
- Most physical symptoms. The NHS lists physical signs of generalised anxiety disorder such as palpitations, feeling dizzy, getting tired easily and difficulty sleeping [5]. The GAD-7 does not ask about these, so mention them if you see your GP.
What to do with your score
Write down your total and the date. The NHS suggests seeing a GP if you think you might have generalised anxiety disorder [5]. In England, adults can also refer themselves to an NHS talking therapies service without a GP referral [5]. Our guide to getting help in the UK covers the routes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
If anxiety has become overwhelming and you feel unsafe, call 999 or go to A&E if a life is at risk [6]. In England you can call 111 and select the mental health option [6]. Anywhere in the UK you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night [7].