Generalized Anxiety Test: what it measures and how to interpret your score

Generalized anxiety is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life. This test will help you identify the intensity of your anxiety symptoms and better understand their impact on your functioning. Based on DSM-5 criteria, it explores 5 key dimensions of anxiety.

In the article that follows, I explore anxiety and chronic worry. If you recognise yourself in this theme, I designed a generalized anxiety test that helps you take stock of your everyday anxiety level. It comes with a guide to extend your reflection beyond the results.

What the test measures

• Tendency to worry disproportionately.
• Bodily manifestations of anxiety.
• Avoidance behaviors related to anxiety.
• Impact on attentional abilities.
• Sleep disturbances related to anxiety.

How to interpret your score

Your result reads as an intensity, not a diagnosis:

• Low anxiety : Your anxiety level is within the normal range. You manage daily stress well and have good coping resources.
• Moderate anxiety : You show signs of moderate anxiety. Certain situations generate more stress in you than average, but you maintain generally satisfactory functioning.
• High anxiety : Your anxiety is significantly elevated and impacts several areas of your life. Professional support could help you regain better balance.
• Very high anxiety : Your anxiety level is very high. The symptoms you describe suggest an anxiety disorder that requires professional care. Don't hesitate to consult.

Take the test: Generalized Anxiety → — To get your own intensity level and a breakdown of where your anxiety weighs most, take the full self-assessment.

What your full report includes

Beyond the 5 questions, the detailed PDF report (from €2.99) includes:

• Introduction : This report presents the results of your Generalized Anxiety Test.
• Global Score : Your overall anxiety score.
• Analysis by Dimension : Details of each dimension assessed.
• Recommendations : Three complementary action axes based on your score: (1) Cognitive strategies — identify your « useless worries » (Borkovec), practice cognitive defusion (ACT), question your catastrophic thoughts (CBT). (2) Somatic strategies — cardiac coherence (5-5-5 breathing, 3 times/day), box breathing, Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness (MBSR 8 weeks). (3) Behavioral strategies — graded exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, restriction of reassurance behaviors, lifestyle hygiene (regular sleep, reduced caffeine/alcohol, 30min physical activity × 3/week). If anxiety has invaded your daily life for ≥6 months, consult a psychologist trained in CBT or ACT. Medication possible (SSRI, buspirone) with a physician if severe symptoms. Psychotherapy has proven efficacy (Cuijpers 2014 meta-analyses, Hofmann 2012).
• Resources : Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is widely documented in clinical research. Reference scales: GAD-7 (Spitzer et al. 2006), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (Meyer, Miller, Metzger, Borkovec 1990), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Founding work: Borkovec (cognitive avoidance model of worry), Wells (metacognitive model), Barlow (triple vulnerability model). To explore further: David Barlow « Anxiety and Its Disorders », Aaron Beck « Cognitive Therapy of Anxiety Disorders ». Organizations: Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), Mind UK. In case of acute distress or suicidal thoughts: contact your local emergency services, or find a helpline in your country at findahelpline.com.

The full personalised report (your precise score, your profile per dimension, your recommendations) is paid.

When to take this test

• You recognise yourself in anxiety, stress, GAD and want to see more clearly.
• You want a structured reading rather than a vague impression.
• You are looking for an objective starting point before talking to a professional if needed.

Take the Psy Test → — 60 questions, anonymous, PDF report (€2.99). 🔗 Analyze your conversations with ScanMyLove — Anxiety distorts communication. An objective read of your chats can help.

FAQ

How long does the test take? 60 questions, about 15 min. The first 5 are free. Does the test provide a diagnosis? No. It measures an intensity and gives you reference points; only a professional can make a diagnosis. Are my answers confidential? Yes: the test is 100% anonymous and the report is delivered directly to you.

---

👉 Start the Generalized Anxiety Test → — 60 questions, instant result, PDF report, 100% anonymous.