Question 1

What is the GAD-7?

Accepted Answer

The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a clinically-validated screening tool used by healthcare professionals worldwide to measure anxiety severity. It consists of 7 questions about how often you have been bothered by anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety. It is not a diagnosis, but it can help you understand your anxiety level and decide whether to seek professional support.

Question 2

How accurate is this anxiety quiz?

Accepted Answer

The GAD-7 has been extensively validated in clinical research with a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 82% for detecting generalized anxiety disorder. However, this is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Your results can give you a meaningful snapshot of your current anxiety level, but only a qualified mental health professional can provide an official diagnosis. If your score suggests moderate or severe anxiety, we encourage you to share your results with a healthcare provider.

Question 3

Is my quiz data private?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your privacy is a top priority. Your quiz responses are processed locally in your browser and are not stored on our servers unless you create an account and explicitly choose to save your results. We never sell or share your mental health data with third parties. If you sign up for Paula, your data is encrypted and protected under our privacy policy. You can delete your data at any time from your account settings.

How anxious are you, really?