The GAD-7 is the clinically validated questionnaire used by NHS GPs and mental health professionals to screen for and measure generalised anxiety disorder. It takes under 2 minutes.
This tool reproduces the validated GAD-7 scale for self-reflection only. A score above 10 warrants a conversation with your GP. This is not a diagnosis. If you're in crisis, call Samaritans on 116 123 or 999.
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Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
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The GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment) was developed by Spitzer et al. in 2006 and is used worldwide as a standard screening tool. It has been validated across numerous studies and is used in NHS primary care.
Scoring: 0–4 = Minimal anxiety | 5–9 = Mild anxiety | 10–14 = Moderate anxiety | 15–21 = Severe anxiety. A score of 10 or above is the recommended threshold for further assessment by a healthcare professional. The GAD-7 also functions as an outcome measure — retaking it over time shows whether anxiety is improving or worsening.
Your score indicates how much anxiety symptoms have affected you in the past two weeks. A score of 10+ suggests anxiety at a level worth discussing with a GP. This doesn't mean you have GAD — other conditions and life circumstances can produce similar scores. The score is a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis.
GPs routinely use the GAD-7 in consultations. Bringing a score to your appointment can actually speed things up — it gives your GP a structured starting point. They may repeat the questionnaire, ask follow-up questions, discuss treatment options (including NHS Talking Therapies, medication, or referral to secondary care) and check if other conditions might be contributing.
NHS Talking Therapies (previously IAPT) offers free CBT and other evidence-based therapies for anxiety — you can self-refer at nhs.uk/talking-therapies without a GP referral. GPs can also prescribe SSRIs (commonly sertraline) which have strong evidence for anxiety. For severe anxiety, referral to community mental health teams is available. Waiting times vary by area but online CBT can often start quickly.