What does the "GAD-7" assess in the context of mental health?

The GAD-7 is specifically designed as a screening tool to evaluate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in individuals. This 7-item questionnaire asks respondents to rate the frequency of their anxiety symptoms experienced over the past two weeks. The items focus on common features of GAD, such as excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. The results provide insight into the severity of anxiety symptoms, helping healthcare providers to identify individuals who may benefit from further evaluation or intervention for anxiety disorders.

Using the GAD-7 allows for a quick and effective assessment, making it especially valuable in both clinical and research settings. Its concise nature means that it can be easily administered and understood, enabling more individuals to access appropriate mental health support based on their scores. This specificity to generalized anxiety disorder distinguishes it from other assessments that may focus on different aspects of mental health, such as personality traits or cognitive functioning.