Anxiety Screening Test
Take our free anxiety test based on GAD-7 criteria. This 15-question assessment helps identify symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
What is generalised anxiety disorder?
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves excessive, difficult-to-control worry about a range of everyday situations — work, health, finances, relationships, or just the general future. Unlike normal worry, GAD worry is persistent, out of proportion to the actual situation, and interferes with daily life.
Around 6% of adults experience GAD at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common mental health conditions. It's more prevalent in women than men and often develops gradually in adulthood, though it can begin at any age.
GAD is distinct from phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, though these can co-occur. The defining feature of GAD is its generalised nature — the worry isn't focused on one specific thing but tends to shift across many areas.
Physical and mental symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety has both psychological and physical symptoms. Psychologically, it shows up as persistent worry, difficulty controlling anxious thoughts, trouble concentrating, irritability, and feeling on edge. Many people describe a sense of dread or anticipating the worst even when there's no clear reason to.
Physically, anxiety activates the body's stress response: muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, sweating, and sleep disturbances. These physical symptoms are real and significant — anxiety disorders have measurable effects on the body, not just the mind.
Avoidance is one of the most common behavioural effects of anxiety. People avoid situations that trigger anxiety, which provides short-term relief but maintains the anxiety long-term. Recognising avoidance patterns is often an important part of treatment.
About the GAD-7
This test is based on the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), developed by Dr. Robert Spitzer and colleagues. It's one of the most widely used and validated anxiety screening tools in primary care settings worldwide.
The GAD-7 asks about the frequency of seven core anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks. Scores are classified as minimal (0–4), mild (5–9), moderate (10–14), and severe (15–21). These thresholds were established through large-scale validation studies.
A score of 10 or above on the GAD-7 has been shown in clinical research to have good sensitivity and specificity for GAD. However, screening scores cannot replace clinical assessment — other anxiety disorders, medical conditions, and life circumstances all need to be considered.
Getting help for anxiety in Australia
If your GAD-7 score is in the moderate or severe range, speaking to your GP is the right first step. A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan gives Australians access to up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions per year with a registered psychologist — the most effective first-line treatment for anxiety is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is widely available through private practitioners and via telehealth.
Key Australian resources include: Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au, 1300 22 4636) — 24/7 phone, chat, and online support for anxiety and depression; the This Way Up program (thiswayup.org.au) — clinician-referred, evidence-based online CBT programs with strong research support; and the Black Dog Institute (blackdoginstitute.org.au) for research-based self-help. Head to Health (headtohealth.gov.au) is a government portal for finding local and online mental health services by location and need.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Score Range | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–9 | Minimal Anxiety | Your responses suggest minimal anxiety symptoms. Your worry levels appear to be manageable and within a healthy range. |
| 10–19 | Mild Anxiety | Your responses indicate mild anxiety symptoms. Stress management techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and breathing exercises may be helpful. |
| 20–30 | Moderate Anxiety | Your responses suggest moderate anxiety. Consider speaking with a mental health professional about strategies to manage your symptoms effectively. |
| 31–45 | Severe Anxiety | Your responses indicate significant anxiety symptoms that may be impacting your daily life. We strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare provider. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anxiety the same as stress?
Stress is usually triggered by an external situation and resolves when the situation changes. Anxiety persists beyond the trigger and involves fear about future events that may not happen. Both can coexist.
Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Anxiety activates the body's fight-or-flight response, causing real physical effects: racing heart, tight chest, stomach problems, muscle tension, and fatigue. These are physiological, not imagined.
What treatments work for anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence base for anxiety disorders. Medication (typically SSRIs) is also effective. Lifestyle factors — exercise, sleep, and reducing stimulants — have meaningful impacts on anxiety levels.
Should I see a GP or go straight to a psychologist?
Either is fine. Your GP can rule out physical causes, refer you, and discuss medication if appropriate. A psychologist will provide therapy. Many people benefit from seeing both.
Is there a Medicare rebate for psychology in Australia?
Yes. With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare subsidises up to 10 sessions per year with a registered psychologist. The rebate is currently around $96.65 per session, though most psychologists charge above this amount.