Free Anxiety Test (GAD-7) Australia

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 1 in 4 Australians at some point in their lives. It's characterized by persistent, excessive worry about everyday things that's difficult to control and impacts daily functioning.

Common anxiety symptoms include:

• Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
• Excessive worrying that's hard to control
• Restlessness or feeling keyed up
• Easily fatigued or tired
• Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances

Anxiety disorders are treatable. With appropriate support (cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness strategies, sometimes medication), most people learn to manage anxiety effectively and improve their quality of life.

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7) is the most widely used anxiety screening tool globally. Developed by Pfizer Inc., it's used by GPs, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals to assess anxiety severity.

How the Test Works

The GAD-7 asks about 7 anxiety symptoms experienced over the past 2 weeks. You'll rate each symptom from "Not at all" to "Nearly every day". The entire test takes approximately 2 minutes to complete.

Scoring & Interpretation

• 0-4: Minimal Anxiety (no treatment typically needed)
• 5-9: Mild Anxiety (monitor symptoms, self-care strategies)
• 10-14: Moderate Anxiety (consider counseling or treatment)
• 15-21: Severe Anxiety (professional treatment recommended)

Beyond GAD

While designed for generalized anxiety disorder, the GAD-7 also screens effectively for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and PTSD. It provides a reliable measure of overall anxiety severity.

How accurate is the GAD-7 anxiety test?

The GAD-7 has been validated in multiple studies and shows high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and good test-retest reliability. It's widely used by healthcare providers worldwide.

What age is the GAD-7 for?

The GAD-7 is validated for ages 8 and above, including children, adolescents, and adults. It uses simple language appropriate for all age groups.

Can this test diagnose anxiety?

No. The GAD-7 identifies individuals who may have generalized anxiety disorder. Only a qualified GP, psychiatrist, or psychologist can provide an official anxiety diagnosis.

How often can I retake the test?

You can retake the GAD-7 every 14 days to track changes in your anxiety symptoms over time. Regular monitoring helps identify patterns and measure treatment effectiveness.