Anxiety test (GAD-7): a private 2-minute self-check

The GAD-7 asks how often seven common symptoms of anxiety — such as feeling nervous, worrying too much and being unable to relax — have bothered you over the last two weeks. Each answer scores from 0 (“Not at all”) to 3 (“Nearly every day”), so the total runs from 0 to 21.

It was first developed to look for generalised anxiety disorder, and it also picks up other common anxiety problems, such as panic disorder, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress. Doctors around the world use it, and it has been studied in Bangladesh too.

The score shows how much anxiety symptoms have affected you over the last two weeks: 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate and 15–21 severe. In the original study, a score of 10 or more picked up 89% of people with generalised anxiety disorder, while 82% of people without it scored below 10.

A questionnaire cannot tell what is causing the symptoms. Stress, some physical illnesses and some medicines can cause similar feelings, which is why a professional assessment matters.

It is a good idea to talk to a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist or your doctor if:

• your score is 10 or more;
• worry or nervousness has lasted for weeks and is hard to control;
• you avoid places, people or tasks because of anxiety;
• you have sudden attacks of intense fear, or anxiety affects your sleep, work or study.

Anxiety problems are treatable. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, medicines or both can help, and a professional can explain which options suit you.

Anxiety often shows up in the body: a racing heart, breathlessness, tight muscles, stomach upsets or trouble sleeping.