MentisThe GAD-7 was developed by Drs Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission is required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute it.
- Seven questions about the last two weeks, each scored 0–3, for a total of 0–21.
- 0–4 minimal · 5–9 mild · 10–14 moderate · 15–21 severe.
- 10 or more is the point to talk to a professional. It's a self-check, not a diagnosis.
What is the GAD-7?
The GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a short questionnaire published in 2006 by researchers who wanted a quick, reliable way for doctors to spot anxiety. In the original study of 2,740 primary care patients, a score of 10 or more identified generalised anxiety disorder with 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity (Spitzer et al., 2006). It's now used in clinics, research and apps worldwide, and has been tested in the general population too (Löwe et al., 2008).
What your score means
| Score | Level | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal | Keep up what helps. Notice early if things shift. |
| 5–9 | Mild | Daily habits help most: a worry window, slow breathing, better sleep. Retake in two weeks. |
| 10–14 | Moderate | Talk to a doctor or mental health professional. Self-help works well alongside that. |
| 15–21 | Severe | Please seek professional support soon. Tele-MANAS is free on 14416. |
A score is a snapshot of two weeks, not a label. A hard fortnight with exams, a family illness or a deadline can push anyone's score up. Retaking it after two weeks tells you more than any single result.
Anxiety in India is common, and support is often missing
India's National Mental Health Survey (2015–16) estimated that about 1 in 10 adults was living with a mental health condition, and that most of them, between 70% and 92% depending on the condition, were not getting any care (Gururaj et al., 2016). Stigma, cost and simply not knowing where to start all play a part. If your score is moderate or higher, you're far from alone, and asking for help is the normal next step, not a dramatic one.
What helps with day-to-day worry
Alongside professional support where you need it, these are some of the most practical, research-backed ways to manage worry day to day:
- Give worry a time slot. Postponing worry to a fixed daily window reduced worry in controlled studies. Try the worry timer.
- Slow your breathing. Cyclic sighing or box breathing settles the body so the mind can follow.
- Ground yourself with the 5-4-3-2-1 technique when a wave of anxiety hits.
- Write it down. Our journal prompts for anxiety help you get the loop out of your head.
- Protect your sleep. Poor sleep and anxiety feed each other.
The Mentis app's daily check-in tracks your mood as weather, and the Overthinking plan builds these skills one small step at a time. Read more in our guide to anxiety symptoms and causes.
Frequently asked questions
Is this anxiety test accurate?
The GAD-7 is one of the most widely used and studied anxiety questionnaires. In the original study, a score of 10 or more picked up generalised anxiety disorder with 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity. It's a screening checklist, though, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional who talks with you can diagnose an anxiety disorder.
What does my GAD-7 score mean?
0–4 is minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate and 15–21 severe anxiety symptoms over the last two weeks. A score of 10 or more is the point at which it's worth talking to a doctor or mental health professional.
Are my answers saved or sent anywhere?
No. The score is worked out inside your browser. Nothing is stored or sent, and closing the page clears it.
How often should I take it?
Every two weeks is enough, since the questions ask about the last two weeks. Retaking it is a useful way to see whether things are moving.
Can Mentis help with anxiety?
Mentis is a self-help wellness app, not a treatment. It can help you manage day-to-day worry with a daily check-in, breathing and grounding exercises, and the Overthinking plan. If your score is moderate or higher, use it alongside professional support, not instead of it.
- Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Löwe B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine 166(10):1092–1097.
- Löwe B et al. (2008). Validation and standardization of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) in the general population. Medical Care 46(3):266–274.
- Gururaj G et al. (2016). National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015–16: Summary. NIMHANS, Bengaluru.
- Tele-MANAS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.