Anxiety Score (GAD-7)
How often have you been bothered by these over the last 2 weeks? 0=Not at all · 1=Several days · 2=More than half · 3=Nearly every day
1. Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge
2. Not being able to stop or control worrying
3. Worrying too much about different things
4. Trouble relaxing
5. Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
7. Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen
The GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a validated screening tool developed by Spitzer et al (2006) for detecting and measuring the severity of generalised anxiety disorder. It is widely used in NHS primary care as part of the IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) programme.
Tip: GAD-7 is widely used in NHS IAPT services. If your score is 10 or above, consider speaking to your GP who can refer you to talking therapies. Free NHS talking therapies are available at nhs.uk/talk.
- 17 questions rated 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day)
- 2Total score 0–4: minimal | 5–9: mild | 10–14: moderate | 15–21: severe
- 3A score ≥ 10 has 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity for GAD
- 4Also used as a screening tool for panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD
| Score | Level | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal | Watchful waiting |
| 5–9 | Mild | Reassess at follow-up |
| 10–14 | Moderate | Consider counselling or pharmacotherapy |
| 15–21 | Severe | Active treatment; possible specialist referral |