Free GAD-7 Anxiety Test
Check your anxiety level - free, anonymous and instant. Takes just 2-3 minutes.
The GAD-7: a screening questionnaire for generalised anxiety disorder
GAD-7 - Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale
The GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7) is an anxiety screener published by Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams and Löwe in 2006, evaluating 7 core symptoms of generalised anxiety. It produces a score from 0 to 21 and is available free of charge on MatchyMatch.
- 7 questions from the published GAD-7 (Spitzer et al., 2006)
- Takes 2-3 minutes to complete
- Free, no account needed: add your email to save your result, or skip it
- Instant results with English-language interpretation
- Used by GPs, NHS services and psychologists worldwide
- 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity for generalised anxiety disorder
About the online anxiety test
The GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7) is one of the most widely used anxiety screening tools in the world. Created by the same team that developed the PHQ-9, this free anxiety test measures the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder.
The test asks about how often you have experienced 7 key symptoms over the last 2 weeks, and gives you a score that helps you decide whether your anxiety level might benefit from professional support.
Time
2-3 minutes
Questions
7 questions
Score range
0 - 21
Validation
Spitzer et al. 2006
Important: This test does not provide a diagnosis. It is a screening tool that helps you decide whether it would be useful to speak to a professional about anxiety.
Why take the GAD-7?
Clarity about your anxiety
Tell whether you're feeling normal stress or something more
Instant result, no account
Add your email to save your result, or skip it
Personalised guidance
Concrete next steps based on your score
Track changes over time
See how your anxiety evolves
How does the anxiety test work?
Answer 7 questions
Each question asks how often you have been bothered by a symptom over the last 2 weeks.
Get your score
A score from 0 to 21 with a clear interpretation.
Take action
Personalised next steps and anxiety-management tips.
Example questions from the anxiety test
Here are 6 of the 7 questions in the GAD-7. Each measures a specific symptom of generalised anxiety.
Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge
Not being able to stop or control worrying
Worrying too much about different things
Trouble relaxing
Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
These are 6 of the 7 questions. The full test covers all symptoms of generalised anxiety.
What does the GAD-7 measure?
The GAD-7 covers 7 core symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder.
Nervousness
Feeling on edge, tense or wired
Uncontrollable worry
Inability to stop anxious thoughts
Excessive worry
Worrying disproportionately about different things
Trouble relaxing
Finding it hard to switch off or calm down
Physical restlessness
Restlessness; hard to sit still
Irritability
Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
Sense of dread
Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen
Who is the anxiety test for?
The test is useful if you:
- •Feel worried or anxious frequently
- •Find it hard to relax or to "switch off" your thoughts
- •Experience physical symptoms of anxiety
- •Want to monitor progress while in treatment for anxiety
Did you know?
Anxiety and depression often co-occur. If you have anxiety symptoms, it can be useful to take the PHQ-9 depression test for a fuller picture.
Take the depression testHow the GAD-7 score is interpreted
The total score ranges from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate more severe anxiety.
What does this test NOT measure?
The GAD-7 is NOT:
- ✕A panic-disorder diagnostic - it covers generalised anxiety
- ✕A specific-phobia test - those need separate assessment
- ✕An OCD diagnostic - OCD is a different condition
- ✕A replacement for professional assessment - it's a starting point
Anxiety is treatable
The good news: anxiety responds very well to therapy. NICE recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for generalised anxiety disorder (guideline CG113).
Learn more about anxiety therapyFrequently asked questions about the anxiety test
What is the GAD-7 anxiety test?
The GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7) is an anxiety screening questionnaire published by Dr Robert Spitzer and colleagues in 2006. It contains 7 questions that measure symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder over the past 2 weeks. It is used by GPs, NHS services and psychologists worldwide.
How long does the online anxiety test take?
The GAD-7 takes just 2-3 minutes to complete. The questions are simple and ask about how often you have experienced symptoms over the last 2 weeks. You answer on a scale from "Not at all" to "Nearly every day", and your results are shown instantly.
Is the anxiety test free and anonymous?
Yes, the test is free and you do not need an account. After the questions you can add your email to save your result, or skip that step and see your result straight away.
How is the GAD-7 score interpreted?
The GAD-7 score ranges from 0 to 21: 0-4 = minimal anxiety symptoms, 5-9 = mild, 10-14 = moderate, 15-21 = severe. The original study (Spitzer et al., 2006) describes a score of 10 or above as a reasonable cut point for identifying possible generalised anxiety disorder, so at that level it may help to speak to a professional.
What is the difference between anxiety and stress?
Stress is a normal reaction to a difficult situation and usually fades when the situation resolves. Anxiety persists even when there is no clear trigger and can interfere with daily life. The GAD-7 helps you tell whether what you are feeling is more than ordinary stress.
Can the GAD-7 diagnose anxiety?
No - the GAD-7 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. An official diagnosis of an anxiety disorder can only be made by a qualified mental health professional following a full assessment. The test helps you decide whether to seek help.
What should I do if I score high on the anxiety test?
If your score is 10 or above, we recommend speaking to a mental health professional. On MatchyMatch you can find therapists who work with anxiety and book a free 15-minute discovery call. NICE recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for generalised anxiety disorder (guideline CG113).
Does the GAD-7 detect panic attacks?
The GAD-7 measures generalised anxiety, not panic attacks specifically. That said, many people who have panic attacks also have generalised anxiety. If you experience panic attacks, mention this to your therapist or GP.
How often can I retake the anxiety test?
You can retake the test as often as you like. Many people retake it monthly to monitor their anxiety. If you are in therapy for anxiety, your therapist may use the GAD-7 to track your progress.
Ready to learn more about your anxiety?
Start the GAD-7 now and get instant results with personalised guidance.
Start the anxiety testRelated psychological tests
Anxiety often appears alongside other conditions. These tests can help build a fuller picture.
If you experience severe anxiety or panic attacks, please speak to a registered mental health professional. On MatchyMatch you can find therapists who work with anxiety, with the first 15-minute discovery call free.