GAD-7 Anxiety Scale
Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale for screening and severity assessment.
How to use & interpret
The GAD-7 is a seven-item self-report scale for screening and measuring the severity of generalised anxiety, scored 0–21. Bands are typically: 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, and 15–21 severe; a score of ≥10 is a reasonable cut-off for likely clinically significant anxiety warranting further assessment.
It is also sensitive to panic, social anxiety and PTSD, so a high score should prompt a fuller assessment rather than assuming a single diagnosis. Use it to support diagnosis and to monitor treatment response.
Score interpretation
Score 0–4
→ Monitor; likely no intervention needed
Score 5–9
→ Consider watchful waiting; psychoeducation
Score 10–14
→ Consider CBT or pharmacotherapy
Score 15–21
→ Active treatment indicated; consider specialist referral
Interpretation bands for the GAD-7. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Does GAD-7 ≥10 diagnose generalised anxiety disorder?
No — it indicates a high probability of a clinically significant anxiety disorder and should trigger a full clinical assessment to confirm the diagnosis.
References
- Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JB, Löwe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(10):1092-1097.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Acute Behavioural Disturbance / Rapid Tranquillisation · RCEM 2022; RCPsych 2022; NICE NG10
- Self-Harm Presentation · NICE NG225 (2022)
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity Act) · MCA 2005; Code of Practice
- Acute Psychosis Management · NICE CG178 2014
- Depression Management · NICE CG90 2022
- Lithium Therapy Monitoring · NICE CG185
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.