GAD-7 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale

Introduction

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is a simple and effective screening tool for anxiety disorders. The scale consists of 7 items that can quickly assess the severity of anxiety symptoms in individuals over the past two weeks. GAD-7 is widely used in clinical and research settings with good reliability and validity.

Test Instructions

Please rate how often you have been bothered by each of the following problems over the past 2 weeks. Choose the option that best describes your situation. Each question has four choices: Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day.

Scoring Method

• Total Score: Sum of all 7 items, range 0-21 points
• Scoring: Not at all=0, Several days=1, More than half the days=2, Nearly every day=3
• Severity: 0-4 = minimal anxiety, 5-9 = mild anxiety, 10-14 = moderate anxiety, 15-21 = severe anxiety

Dimension Explanation

1. Worry Level：Frequency and intensity of excessive worry about different things
2. Control Ability：Ability to control or stop worrying
3. Physical Symptoms：Restlessness, fatigue and other physical manifestations
4. Attention：Difficulty concentrating
5. Irritability：Easily annoyed or irritable
6. Muscle Tension：Muscle tension, aches or soreness
7. Sleep Problems：Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or restless sleep

Notes

1. This scale is suitable for screening anxiety symptoms in adults
2. If total score ≥10, professional evaluation is recommended
3. This scale is for screening purposes only and cannot replace professional diagnosis

References

• Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Archives of internal medicine, 166(10), 1092-1097.