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GAD-7 Scale

GAD-7 Scale

Scoring

Scores of 5, 10, and 15 are taken as the cut-off points for mild, moderate and severe anxiety, respectively. When used as a screening tool, further evaluation is recommended when the score is ten or greater. 

Evidence

Using the threshold score of 10, the GAD-7 has a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 82% for GAD. It is moderately good at screening three other common anxiety disorders.

  1. Panic disorder (sensitivity 74%, specificity 81%)

  2. Social anxiety disorder 

    1. Sensitivity 72%

    2. Specificity 80% 

  3. Post-traumatic stress disorder 

    1. Sensitivity 66%

    2. Specificity 81%

Source

Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Lowe B. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder. Arch Inern Med. 2006;166:1092-1097.

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