Anxiety screening explained: what GAD-7 is, what it isn't
A calm primer on a tool you might have come across online
GAD-7 is one of the most widely used anxiety screening tools in primary care worldwide. It is a seven-item questionnaire, takes about 90 seconds, and gives a score between 0 and 21.
It is a screening tool. That means it suggests whether further conversation might be useful. It does not, on its own, diagnose anything.
How the score is usually read
0–4: minimal anxiety. Most people score in this range.
5–9: mild anxiety. Often situational — a stretch of work, a relationship strain, a transition.
10–14: moderate anxiety. Worth a conversation with someone — a counselor, a GP, or a trusted person.
15–21: severe range. A professional consultation is recommended.
These ranges are guidelines, not labels. The same score means different things for different people.
When to take it
A good time to take a GAD-7 is when you've noticed a change in yourself — sleep, appetite, attention, ease — and you want a structured way to check in.
A bad time to take it is during an acute panic episode, where the score will reflect a peak rather than a pattern.
Most people benefit from taking it once a fortnight for two months when they're tracking something specific.
Assessments that fit this
Questions, answered
Will my score be shared with anyone?
No. Only you and your counselor (if you choose to start counseling with us) can see your assessment history.
What if my score is in the moderate-to-severe range?
The results page suggests a conversation. You can reach out on WhatsApp to book a session, or contact your GP — both are valid next steps.
Want to talk it through?
Sessions are by appointment. Share a little context and we’ll continue on WhatsApp.