GAD-2
Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale
A two-item first-step anxiety screen.
2
1 min
adult
0–6
About the GAD-2
The GAD-2 is the first two items of the GAD-7 and provides an ultra-brief screen for generalised anxiety disorder. As with the PHQ-2, it is built to be highly sensitive: a positive result should prompt the full GAD-7 or clinical assessment.
The two items cover feeling nervous or on edge and being unable to stop or control worrying, each scored 0–3 over the past two weeks for a total of 0–6. A score of 3 or more is a positive screen.
What it measures
- Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
- Not being able to stop or control worrying
GAD-2 questions
- 1
Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
- 2
Not being able to stop or control worrying
Items reproduced from a documented, freely usable source. Item wording is preserved exactly as published.
Scoring & interpretation
| Range | Band | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Negative screen | Below cutoff for further evaluation. |
| 3–6 | Positive screen | Score ≥3 — administer a full GAD-7 or further anxiety assessment. |
Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Clinical applications
- Fast first-step anxiety screening where time is limited
- Gating administration of the full GAD-7
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive GAD-2 mean?
A score of 3 or higher is a positive screen for anxiety and indicates the full GAD-7 or a clinical assessment should follow.
Source & references
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