Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsProfessional ScreeningsLabs and TestsSelf/At-Home TestingNext in Anxiety Disorder GuideHow to Deal With Anxiety: 13 Ways to Cope
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Professional Screenings
Labs and Tests
Self/At-Home Testing
Next in Anxiety Disorder Guide
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that causes excessive worry along with other symptoms that can get worse over time and can interfere with your daily activities. It can sometimes be challenging to diagnose GAD and may take time.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have GAD, speak with your healthcare provider to start the diagnosis process.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
A healthcare provider or mental health professional can do a screening for GAD. Your primary care healthcare provider may refer you to a specialized mental health provider, such as a psychotherapist.
The diagnosis process will begin with the healthcare provider asking questions about your:
Your healthcare provider will also do a physical exam and ask about any physical symptoms you may have.
DSM-5 Criteria
A healthcare provider will use the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose GAD. The DSM-5 lists specific symptoms that help your healthcare provider determine the type of condition you have.
DSM-5 criteria for generalized anxiety disorder include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7)
Your healthcare provider may also use the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) during diagnosis.
GAD-7 ScoringThe total score on the GAD-7 ranges from zero to 21. The scores indicate:Mild anxiety:5 to 9Moderate anxiety:10 to 14Severe anxiety:15 to 21
GAD-7 Scoring
The total score on the GAD-7 ranges from zero to 21. The scores indicate:Mild anxiety:5 to 9Moderate anxiety:10 to 14Severe anxiety:15 to 21
The total score on the GAD-7 ranges from zero to 21. The scores indicate:
Although there are no specific laboratory tests that can diagnose GAD, your healthcare provider may order some to rule out the possibility of another medical condition causing your symptoms.
Other Mental Health ConditionsIt is also possible to have GAD at the same time as a different mental health condition.
Other Mental Health Conditions
It is also possible to have GAD at the same time as a different mental health condition.
You may have:
It is possible for certain medications and medical conditions to cause symptoms that can be similar to GAD. Make sure you share all of the vitamins, herbs, prescriptions, and OTC medications you take with your healthcare provider.
You may be wondering if you have GAD. Although you can find online self-screening tests and other tools, an at-home assessment cannot provide a proper diagnosis of a mental health condition. Even if you take this type of test, you will still need to see a healthcare provider to get a diagnosis and treatment.
Accuracy of Self-AssessmentsSelf-screening tests may not be accurate and can give false-positive or false-negative results. A self-assessment cannot replace the experience and knowledge of a mental health professional.
Accuracy of Self-Assessments
Self-screening tests may not be accurate and can give false-positive or false-negative results. A self-assessment cannot replace the experience and knowledge of a mental health professional.
A Word From Verywell
It is normal to have some anxiety or worry once in a while, especially if you are under a lot of stress. However, GAD is more extreme and has specific symptoms. It is crucial not to wait before asking for help. Although it can be hard to seek out a diagnosis, it is the right decision.
Being honest about your symptoms and what you are experiencing is essential to get the help you need. It will determine the type of care you receive.
If you or a loved one is experiencing GAD, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. Receiving the correct diagnosis is the first step on the path to wellness because understanding the mental health condition you have is important for getting the right treatment.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Locke AB, Kirst N, Shultz CG.Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(9):617-624.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Locke AB, Kirst N, Shultz CG.Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(9):617-624.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Locke AB, Kirst N, Shultz CG.Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(9):617-624.
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
Locke AB, Kirst N, Shultz CG.Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(9):617-624.
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