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Free Anxiety Screener · North Carolina Adults
Do I Have Anxiety?
Quick Facts: Anxiety Screener (GAD-7)
- ✓ The GAD-7 is a validated anxiety screening tool.
- ✓ It checks for symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
- ✓ It is not a diagnosis. A provider must evaluate you.
- ✓ Same-day anxiety evaluations are available at Pinnacle BHW.
The following screener is based on the GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale). It is a validated tool used by clinicians worldwide to measure anxiety symptom severity. Rate each item based on how often you have been bothered over the last 2 weeks.
How Anxiety Screening Works
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the United States. They affect approximately 40 million adults each year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Despite being highly treatable, only about one-third of those affected receive treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent, excessive worry about multiple areas of life — work, health, family, finances. This worry is difficult to control and causes significant distress or impairment.
But anxiety disorders also include panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and others, each with distinct features and effective treatment approaches.
Anxiety is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It is a medical condition with identifiable neurobiological underpinnings. It responds well to treatment — including psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of both.
Common Signs of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can affect both the mind and body. Some people experience ongoing worry and overthinking, while others notice physical symptoms. A tight chest, a fast heartbeat, or a constant sense that something bad is about to happen.
Mental & Emotional Symptoms
- •Excessive or uncontrollable worry
- •Anticipating the worst-case scenario
- •Racing or intrusive thoughts
- •Trouble relaxing or "switching off"
- •Irritability or feeling on edge
- •Difficulty concentrating
Physical Symptoms
- •Fast or pounding heartbeat
- •Muscle tension, headaches, or stomachaches
- •Shortness of breath
- •Sweating or trembling
- •Sleep problems caused by worry
- •Fatigue despite resting
How the GAD-7 Is Scored
The GAD-7 uses a simple additive scoring system. Each of the 7 questions is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), for a maximum total of 21. Higher scores indicate more frequent and severe anxiety symptoms.
Clinical studies have established four severity ranges to guide clinical decision-making.
| GAD-7 Score | Severity | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal anxiety | Monitor; evaluate if concerns persist |
| 5–9 | Mild anxiety | Monitor; consider professional evaluation |
| 10–14 | Moderate anxiety | Professional evaluation recommended |
| 15–21 | Severe anxiety | Full evaluation strongly recommended |
Scoring based on: Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Löwe B. "A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7." Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006;166(10):1092-1097.
Anxiety Screener (GAD-7)
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
0 of 7 answered
1. Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
2. Not being able to stop or control worrying
3. Worrying too much about different things
4. Trouble relaxing
5. Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
7. Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen
This screener is based on the GAD-7 developed by Drs. Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, and Löwe. It is used for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool. Anxiety symptoms can overlap with depression, trauma, ADHD, sleep problems, thyroid conditions, and other medical issues. A licensed provider performs a full clinical evaluation before any diagnosis is made.
Source: Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Löwe B. "A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7." Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006;166(10):1092-1097.
When to Seek Help for Anxiety
It is time to seek help when worry, panic, or restlessness interferes with sleep or work. The same is true when anxiety affects your relationships or overall quality of life.
Many people live with anxiety for years before realizing how much it affects them. They often attribute it to stress, personality, or just 'how they are.'
You should consider a professional evaluation if anxiety is causing you to avoid activities, situations, or relationships that matter to you. Physical symptoms like chest tightness or shortness of breath that recur frequently are also a sign to seek help. The same applies if you are using alcohol or substances to manage anxious feelings.
Effective treatment — including medication management and therapy — can help you feel calmer and think more clearly. It can also improve sleep and help you manage stress in healthier ways. You do not have to keep living with anxiety untreated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety
How accurate is the GAD-7 anxiety test?
The GAD-7 is one of the most widely validated anxiety screening tools in the world. In the original validation study by Spitzer and colleagues (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006), the GAD-7 demonstrated a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 82% for detecting generalized anxiety disorder. It is also widely used to screen for panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD. Keep in mind that it is a screener, not a diagnosis — a licensed clinical provider must conduct a full evaluation.
What is the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety is a normal human emotion — feeling nervous before a big presentation or worried during a stressful period is expected and healthy. An anxiety disorder is diagnosed when anxiety becomes persistent, difficult to control, and interferes with daily functioning in meaningful ways. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and others. Effective treatment is available for all of them.
Can anxiety and ADHD occur at the same time?
Yes — anxiety and ADHD frequently co-occur. Research estimates that up to 50% of adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can also mimic ADHD symptoms such as poor concentration and restlessness, making accurate evaluation especially important. At Pinnacle BHW, our providers assess for co-occurring conditions so that treatment addresses the full clinical picture.
What anxiety treatments are available at Pinnacle BHW?
Our licensed psychiatric providers offer comprehensive anxiety evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment including medication management (SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, and others when appropriate), referrals for therapy, and collaborative treatment planning. Appointments are available via telehealth across North Carolina, and same-day scheduling is often possible for new patients.
Is telehealth effective for treating anxiety?
Yes — telehealth is highly effective for anxiety evaluation and treatment. Multiple studies have found that telepsychiatry produces equivalent outcomes to in-person care for anxiety disorders. Many patients find that being seen from the comfort of their own home actually reduces the barrier to seeking help, which is especially meaningful for those with social anxiety or agoraphobia.
Related Resources
Ready to Get Help for Anxiety?
Same-day anxiety evaluations are available across North Carolina via telehealth. Our licensed psychiatric providers accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Same-Day Appointments Available
Most patients seen within 24 hours • All major insurance accepted • Licensed providers