Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7)

An international clinical screening instrument designed to rapidly evaluate the severity of generalized anxiety and emotional tension.

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Question 1 of 70 / 7 (0%)

Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge

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How it is calculated

7 items scored from 0 to 3 points assessing anxiety symptoms over the preceding 2 weeks.

Formula

Total GAD-7 Score = Sum of all 7 items (range 0–21). 0–4: Minimal; 5–9: Mild; 10–14: Moderate; 15–21: Severe anxiety.

Limits of the method

This screening test does not constitute a formal psychiatric diagnosis. If you experience panic attacks, phobias, or debilitating distress, consult a qualified mental health clinician.

Sources of the method

This calculation is for reference only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a prescription. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, take medication or have any doubts, discuss the result with a physician or a qualified nutrition professional.

How to Complete the GAD-7 Test

Assess symptoms over the last 14 days

Recall how frequently you have been bothered by nervousness, worrying, or inner restlessness over the past two weeks.

Select your response options

Mark the frequency for each symptom from 0 ('Not at all') to 3 ('Nearly every day').

Review your score and recommendations

Discover your anxiety severity level and explore structured strategies to restore nervous system balance.

Representative GAD-7 Profiles

Low3 points

Minimal Anxiety

Healthy, adaptive level of worry in response to everyday life demands without psychological exhaustion.

Therapeutic medical intervention is not needed. Continue practicing healthy lifestyle habits.

Moderate11 points

Moderate Anxiety

Frequent sensations of internal tension, difficulty unwinding, and intrusive rumination affecting sleep quality.

Consultation with a psychotherapist and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques are indicated.

High18 points

Severe Anxiety

Persistent sense of impending dread, pronounced autonomic symptoms (tachycardia, tremor), and marked impairment.

Multimodal psychiatric evaluation, psychotherapy, and potential pharmacotherapy are recommended.

Anxiety Biochemistry: The HPA Axis and Cortisol

Prolonged stress hyperactivates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to sustained elevation of cortisol and adrenaline. Lifestyle pacing and breathing techniques help restore parasympathetic tone.

Cognitive Behavioral Strategies for Anxiety

Decatastrophizing, thought-challenging records, and designated worry time interrupt rumination cycles and retrain threat appraisal mechanisms.

GAD-7 Severity Stratification

GAD-7 Score	Anxiety Level	Recommended Clinical Action
0 – 4	Minimal	Normal range, no specific clinical intervention needed
5 – 9	Mild	Psychological hygiene, breathwork, caffeine reduction, monitoring
10 – 14	Moderate	Consultation with a mental health professional, CBT course
15 – 21	Severe	Psychiatric consultation, comprehensive psychotherapy and care

Developed by R.L. Spitzer et al. (2006). Endorsed by international clinical practice guidelines.

Frequently asked questions

What does the GAD-7 scale measure?

The scale quantifies emotional worry, hyperarousal, and somatic signs of muscular and autonomic nervous tension over the past 14 days.

How does clinical anxiety differ from normal everyday stress?

Normal worry subsides once the situational stressor passes. Clinical anxiety is disproportionate, persistent, difficult to suppress, and interferes with daily productivity and sleep.

How can I reduce anxiety symptoms on my own?

Diaphragmatic slow breathing, Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation, limiting caffeine intake, regular cardiovascular exercise, and structured cognitive reframing are highly effective.

When is it necessary to seek professional medical advice?

If your score is 10 or higher, or if you experience recurring panic attacks, persistent insomnia, or frequent somatic distress, consult a healthcare professional.

Is anxiety connected to diet and nutrition?

Yes. Excessive caffeine, alcohol withdrawal, and rapid glucose spikes exacerbate autonomic nervous excitability and amplify subjective anxiety sensations.

Also assess your perceived stress levels with the PSS-10 test and check your sleep quality with the ISI index.

Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9 Depression) →Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) →Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) →Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) →

Other calculators

Psychology and eating behavior

What next

Formula breakdowns, biomarker reference ranges and nutrition articles with cited sources are in the NutriFit knowledge base.

Go to the knowledge base