Interpretation:
When screening for anxiety disorders, a score of 8 or greater represents a reasonable cut-point for identifying probable cases of generalized anxiety disorder; further diagnostic assessment is warranted to determine the presence and type of anxiety disorder. Using a cut-off of 8 the GAD-7 has a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 76% for diagnosis generalized anxiety disorder. 2,3
The following cut-offs correlate with level of anxiety severity:
- Score 0-4: Minimal Anxiety
- Score 5-9: Mild Anxiety
- Score 10-14: Moderate Anxiety
- Score greater than 15: Severe Anxiety
Based on a recent meta-analysis, some experts have recommended considering using a cut-off of 8 in order to optimize sensitivity without compromising specificity2
Performance as Screening Tool for Anxiety Disorders
Although designed as a screening tool for generalized anxiety, the GAD-7 is also performs reasonably well as a screening tool for three other common anxiety disorders—Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. 3
| Test | Sensitivity | Specificity | Positive Likelihood Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder | 89% | 82% | 5.1 |
| Panic Disorder | 74% | 81% | 3.9 |
| Social Anxiety Disorder | 72% | 80% | 3.6 |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | 66% | 81% | 3.5 |
| Any anxiety disorder | 68% | 88% | 5.5 |