GAD-7 – interpretation in English
GAD-7 is a questionnaire used in healthcare to assess anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks. The instruction manual describes how the GAD-7 total score is calculated and provides reference levels for symptom severity. This page explains that scoring method. It does not interpret your total score or tell you whether you have an illness.
Fill in the GAD-7 questionnaire in EnglishWhat is the GAD-7 questionnaire?
GAD-7 is a seven-question measure of anxiety symptom severity. The questions cover the past two weeks. It was developed by Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues.
How it is used
The instruction manual describes GAD-7 as a screening and severity measure. A clinical assessment is needed to determine whether a disorder is present. This site only shows the total score and the published reference levels.
GAD-7 interpretation: scoring and reference levels
Each question is scored from 0 to 3. The total score ranges from 0 to 21. The published reference levels are shown below. A clinical assessment is needed to determine whether a disorder is present.
- Minimal0–4
- Mild5–9
- Moderate10–14
- Severe15–21
Levels from the instruction manual and Spitzer et al. 2006.
The total score does not tell you whether you have an illness. You may need support whatever your total score.
If you would like support
If you would like to talk to someone about how you feel, contact your health centre or call 1177 Vårdguiden, Sweden’s healthcare guide, for advice. You can also contact a licensed psychologist or psychotherapist. This advice applies whatever your total score.
GAD-7 interpretation sources
GAD-7
Developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute.
Questionnaire website (opens in a new window)
Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Löwe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Arch Intern Med 2006;166:1092-1097.
Reviewed by Maria Hallberg Äijä (opens in a new window), licensed psychotherapist.