In short
A scientifically validated anxiety test can help you assess symptom severity and decide whether to seek professional support, but it cannot provide a formal diagnosis. For a general screen, use GAD-7; choose BAI for mainly physical symptoms, STAI to compare temporary and chronic anxiety, or DASS-21 for anxiety, depression and stress together. Results can guide self-help, counselling or medical advice according to severity.
Key takeaways
- GAD-2 has two questions and offers an initial anxiety screen in about one minute.
- GAD-7 is the most widely used screening tool for generalised anxiety.
- Online anxiety tests are screening tools, not formal diagnoses.
- OASIS measures anxiety severity and its impact on daily life.
- For severe results, seek medical advice from a licensed professional.
Anxiety tests
Find out where you stand
Seven clinically validated questionnaires, the same ones doctors and researchers use. Five can be taken here for free, with an instant score and a printable PDF. If you are not sure where to start, start with the GAD-7.
- Validated tests
- 7
- Free online
- 5
- Time
- 1–7 min
- Sign-up
- None
These tests screen for symptoms and measure their severity. They cannot diagnose; only a qualified professional can.
Why take an anxiety test
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. The hard part is knowing when worry has become more than everyday stress. A validated questionnaire turns a vague feeling into a clear score you can understand, track over time and share with a doctor.
- See how strong your symptoms are, compared with ranges set by research
- Notice change over weeks, for example during therapy or after a new routine
- Walk into an appointment with something concrete to discuss
The seven tests
Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale
The most widely used anxiety screen: worry, tension and restlessness.
7 questions · 2–3 min · last 2 weeks
Take the GAD-7Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale
The GAD-7's first two questions, as a one-minute first check.
2 questions · under 1 min · last 2 weeks
Take the GAD-2Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale
Any type of anxiety, including panic and phobias, and how much it affects your life.
5 questions · 2 min · past week
Take the OASISDepression Anxiety Stress Scales
Three separate scores for depression, anxiety and stress.
21 questions · 5–7 min · past week
Take the DASS-21Patient Health Questionnaire-9
The standard depression screen, a useful companion to any anxiety test.
9 questions · 2–3 min · last 2 weeks
Take the PHQ-9Beck Anxiety Inventory
Physical symptoms of anxiety. Licensed by Pearson, given by clinicians.
21 questions · 5–10 min · past week
Read the BAI guideState-Trait Anxiety Inventory
Anxiety right now versus anxiety in general. Licensed by Mind Garden.
40 questions · about 10 min
Read the STAI guideWhich test should you take?
How the tests compare
| Test | Measures | Questions | Covers | On this site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAD-7 | Generalised anxiety | 7 | Last 2 weeks | Free test |
| GAD-2 | Quick anxiety screen | 2 | Last 2 weeks | Free test |
| OASIS | Severity and impact of any anxiety | 5 | Past week | Free test |
| DASS-21 | Depression, anxiety and stress | 21 | Past week | Free test |
| PHQ-9 | Depression | 9 | Last 2 weeks | Free test |
| BAI | Physical anxiety symptoms | 21 | Past week | Guide |
| STAI | State and trait anxiety | 40 | Now / in general | Guide |
What your results mean
Each test has its own ranges, explained on its page. As a guide, on the GAD-7 scores of 5, 10 and 15 mark mild, moderate and severe anxiety, and 10 is the usual point at which doctors look more closely.
Low scores
Keep the habits that help you stay steady, and take the test again if things change.
Moderate scores
Worth talking to your doctor or a therapist. Cognitive behavioural therapy is the best-studied treatment for anxiety.
High scores
Please reach out to a professional soon. If you ever feel unsafe, find a helpline near you.
What an online test can and cannot do
- It can show how strong your symptoms have been, using ranges validated in large studies
- It can help you track change and prepare for an appointment
- It cannot diagnose an anxiety disorder or rule out other causes, such as thyroid problems or medication effects
- It cannot replace a conversation with someone who knows your history
Your privacy
No account is needed. Scores are calculated in your browser and your answers are not stored. The GAD-7's optional explanation is generated securely and not kept.
Scientific references
- Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B. W., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10), 1092–1097. doi:10.1001/archinte.166.10.1092
- Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., Williams, J. B. W., Monahan, P. O., & Löwe, B. (2007). Anxiety disorders in primary care: prevalence, impairment, comorbidity, and detection. Annals of Internal Medicine, 146(5), 317–325. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-146-5-200703060-00004
- Norman, S. B., Cissell, S. H., Means-Christensen, A. J., & Stein, M. B. (2006). Development and validation of an Overall Anxiety Severity And Impairment Scale (OASIS). Depression and Anxiety, 23(4), 245–249. doi:10.1002/da.20182
- Lovibond, P. F., & Lovibond, S. H. (1995). The structure of negative emotional states: comparison of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) with the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 33(3), 335–343. doi:10.1016/0005-7967(94)00075-U
- Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x
- Beck, A. T., Epstein, N., Brown, G., & Steer, R. A. (1988). An inventory for measuring clinical anxiety: psychometric properties. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56(6), 893–897. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.56.6.893
- Spielberger, C. D., Gorsuch, R. L., Lushene, R., Vagg, P. R., & Jacobs, G. A. (1983). Manual for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most accurate anxiety test?
There is no single best test; each measures something slightly different. For a general first check, the GAD-7 is the most widely used and studied. For panic or phobias, the OASIS; for anxiety, low mood and stress together, the DASS-21.
Can I diagnose myself with an anxiety test?
No. These questionnaires screen for symptoms and measure severity. A diagnosis needs an assessment by a doctor or mental health professional.
Which anxiety test do doctors use?
The GAD-7 and its short form, the GAD-2, are the most common in primary care. The PHQ-9 is the standard for depression. Psychologists also use the BAI and STAI.
Can I take more than one test?
Yes. They complement each other: for example the GAD-7 for worry, the PHQ-9 for mood, and the OASIS for how much anxiety affects your life.
What should I do if I get a high score?
Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional and bring your score. Anxiety is very treatable. If you ever feel unsafe, find a helpline near you.
Are my answers private?
Yes. No account is needed, scores are calculated in your browser, and your answers are not stored.
Anxiety University
Explore the Anxiety University
Free guides to help you understand anxiety, one topic at a time.
- Getting StartedThe basics of anxiety and how it works
- Self-Assessments & Anxiety TestsCheck in on your symptoms with free tests
- Cognitive Traps & Thought PatternsSpot the thinking habits that fuel anxiety
- Stress ReductionPractical ways to calm your body and mind
- Common Anxiety PhobiasUnderstand specific fears and how they are treated
- Inspiring StoriesReal stories and words that remind you you are not alone
