What it measures
The GAD-7 measures how often someone has been bothered by common anxiety symptoms over the last two weeks: feeling nervous or on edge, not being able to stop worrying, worrying too much, trouble relaxing, restlessness, irritability, and feeling something awful might happen. The total gives an indication of how severe anxiety symptoms are.
Who it’s for
It was developed for adults and is widely used in NHS talking therapies, GP surgeries and school-based mental health teams, including with older teenagers. In schools it should be used by trained staff with clear referral routes, because high scores need follow-up. It is a screening tool, not a diagnosis, and any concern about a pupil's safety should go through safeguarding procedures.
SAMPLE QUESTION
Over the last two weeks, how often have you found it hard to stop worrying?
Not at all · Several days · More than half the days · Nearly every day
Paraphrased example for illustration. The official questionnaire is free to download from CORC and other NHS sources.
How it’s scored
Each question is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), giving a total from 0 to 21. Scores of 5, 10 and 15 are commonly used as cut-points for mild, moderate and severe anxiety. A score of 10 or more usually prompts further assessment by a qualified professional. In schools, agree in advance who reviews scores and what happens next.
Validation and source
Robert Spitzer, Kurt Kroenke, Janet Williams and Bernd Löwe published the GAD-7 in 2006 after testing it with nearly 2,800 primary care patients. At a score of 10 it identified generalised anxiety disorder with good sensitivity and specificity, and it also picks up panic, social anxiety and PTSD. Population norms by age and gender were later published by Löwe and colleagues. No permission is needed to reproduce, translate or distribute it.
WHERE YOUHQ FITS
Validated scales measure. youHQ helps you act on what they show.
The GAD-7 gives a structured snapshot of anxiety symptoms when you need one. Between assessments, youHQ gives pupils a quick daily check-in on how they're feeling, with an easy way to ask for help, so staff can notice rising worry early and follow up. Use the GAD-7 where a structured screen is needed, and youHQ to keep a gentle eye on wellbeing every day.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GAD-7 free to use?
Yes. No permission is needed to reproduce, translate, display or distribute the GAD-7, and it is free to download from CORC and many NHS websites.
Can schools use the GAD-7 with pupils?
It is used with older teenagers, often by school mental health teams. Use it with trained staff, clear consent and referral routes, and follow safeguarding procedures for any risk.
What GAD-7 score means anxiety?
Scores of 5, 10 and 15 mark mild, moderate and severe symptoms. A score of 10 or more usually means further assessment by a professional is recommended.