Source: Spitzer et al., 2006 (PubMed).
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is a widely used seven-item questionnaire for reflecting on worry and tension. Developed by Spitzer and colleagues in 2006, it asks about common feelings over the past two weeks on a 4-point frequency scale (0 = Not at all, 1 = Several days, 2 = More than half the days, 3 = Nearly every day). The total score ranges from 0 to 21.
How It Works:
Each item measures how often a feeling showed up recently. Adding the scores gives one number you can watch over time. Higher numbers mean the feelings were more frequent, not that anything is "wrong" with you.
A Note on the Score:
As a rough guide, researchers group totals as: 0-4 rare, 5-9 occasional, 10-14 more often, 15-21 frequent. These bands describe frequency only; they are not labels for any condition.
Why People Use It:
Clinics and researchers use the GAD-7 to track worry over time, and many people use it privately to notice their own patterns. It is a self-reflection aid, not a clinical evaluation.
Important Note:
This self-check is for personal emotional reference only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for any clinical question.
Related Resources:
If worry is on your mind, our PHQ-9 Mood Self-Check can help you reflect on low mood too. If you ever feel you need to talk to someone, visit our Mental Health Help (US) page for confidential support lines.