GAD-7 Anxiety Screening

The GAD-7 asks seven short questions about common anxiety symptoms, such as feeling nervous, worrying too much, or having trouble relaxing. You rate how often each has bothered you, and your answers add up to a score that reflects mild, moderate, or severe anxiety.

It takes only a couple of minutes and can be completed in the office or before your visit, including by telehealth video consultation. Dr. Golian reviews your results with you directly, places them in the context of your overall health, and discusses what they may mean. Because anxiety often overlaps with low mood, she may also offer a PHQ-9 depression screening at the same visit.

No special preparation is needed. You can fill out the GAD-7 honestly and at your own pace, answering based on the past two weeks rather than how you feel on any single day.

It can help to note any sleep changes, life stressors, or physical symptoms you've experienced, since conditions like insomnia can both fuel and mimic anxiety. Bringing a current list of your medications and supplements also gives Dr. Golian a fuller picture.

Dr. Golian will walk you through your score and what the next steps might look like. For some patients, that means lifestyle support and follow-up monitoring; for others, it may include cognitive behavioral therapy, SSRI or SNRI therapy, or coordination with a specialist when appropriate.

The GAD-7 is easy to repeat, so it becomes a simple way to see whether your symptoms are improving. When more advanced care is warranted, Dr. Golian can coordinate referrals, including through Cedars-Sinai, and stay closely involved in your ongoing plan.