GAD-7 questions, answer choices, and instructions
What are the GAD-7 answer choices?
Choose the response that best matches how often each experience bothered you during the stated period. Use the questionnaire as written; replacing the response choices can change what the result means.
| Response | Points |
|---|---|
| Not at all | 0 |
| Several days | 1 |
| More than half the days | 2 |
| Nearly every day | 3 |
Should I answer about today or the last two weeks?
Use the whole two-week period. Completing the form immediately after a difficult exam does not change the timeframe to that afternoon.
As a practical example, consider a student whose most difficult day was yesterday. They can pause and think about the other days in the period before choosing a response. This is not a reason to discount yesterday; it is a way to answer the question that was asked.
If you cannot confidently decide between options, use the form instructions or ask the person administering it. Do not invent a new response category or assign yourself fractional points.
What does the additional difficulty question mean?
Some forms include a follow-up about how symptoms affect work, home responsibilities, or relationships. This supplies information about everyday functioning. It is separate from the seven-item sum.
If the questionnaire you used includes it, keep that response with your result when discussing it. A total on its own does not describe which activities are affected or the support you need.
Can I skip a question or change the wording?
The standard total assumes answers to all seven scored items. If you leave one blank, do not silently count it as zero or compare the incomplete sum with the usual severity bands. Check whether the form has an explicit missing-answer procedure or ask the professional using it.
Likewise, do not replace general worry with “worry about my exam” and assume it is still the same validated questionnaire. You can discuss exam-specific concerns separately.
Use an appropriately translated version when needed. Informally translating individual phrases while answering is not the same as using a version that has been studied in that language.
Can someone else answer the GAD-7 for me?
The questions ask about your own experience. Someone can help you access or read the form, but their guess about how you feel is different from your report. Tell a professional if assistance or communication difficulties affected how you completed it.
For a parent or teacher, a supportive role is to help the student understand the instructions and find an appropriate service. Avoid treating their responses as a test they can pass or fail.
Where can I find the questionnaire and scoring guide?
The linked instructions provide background on administration and scoring. Our scoring page provides a worked example; the LuriaLab link opens the online assessment. Check the instructions supplied with whichever version you use.
This page is educational. A questionnaire score cannot establish a diagnosis or explain the cause of your symptoms. If you are struggling, speak with a counselor or healthcare professional, whatever your score.
Read how to ask for support or find a helpline in your country.