Generalized Anxiety Test: What It Measures & 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. I also wrote two books on this subject, Overcoming Anxiety and Stress and The Practical CBT Guide, if you would like to go further.

What the Test Measures

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

How to Interpret Your Score

The result indicates 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 for 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 a better balance.
• Very High Anxiety: Your anxiety level is very high. The symptoms you describe suggest an anxiety disorder that requires professional care. Do not hesitate to consult a professional.

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 includes:

• Introduction: This report presents the results of your Generalized Anxiety Test.
• Overall Score: Your overall anxiety score.
• Dimension Analysis: Details of each dimension evaluated.
• Recommendations: Three complementary action areas based on your score: (1) Cognitive strategies — identify your "useless worries" (Borkovec), practice cognitive defusion (ACT), question your catastrophic thoughts (CBT). (2) Somatic strategies — 5x5x5 heart coherence (3 times/day), box breathing, Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness (8-week MBSR). (3) Behavioral strategies — gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, restriction of reassurance behaviors, lifestyle hygiene (regular sleep, reduced caffeine/alcohol, physical activity 30min × 3/week). If anxiety has been pervasive in your daily life for ≥6 months, consult a psychologist trained in CBT or ACT. Medication (SSRIs, buspirone) may be possible with a doctor if symptoms are severe. Psychotherapy has proven efficacy (meta-analyses Cuijpers 2014, Hofmann 2012).
• Resources: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is extensively documented by clinical research. Reference scales: GAD-7 (Spitzer et al. 2006), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (Meyer, Miller, Metzger, Borkovec 1990), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Foundational works: Borkovec (cognitive avoidance model of worry), Wells (metacognitive model), Barlow (triple vulnerability model). For further reading: 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 first 5 questions are free; the complete and personalized report (your precise score, your profile by dimension, your recommendations) is paid.

When to Take This Test

• You identify with anxiety, stress, GAD and want to gain clarity.
• You're looking for a structured assessment rather than a vague impression.
• You're seeking an objective starting point before discussing it with a professional if needed.

FAQ

How long does the test take? 60 questions, approximately 15 min. The first 5 are free. Does the test provide a diagnosis? No. It measures intensity and provides benchmarks; 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.

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👉 Start the Generalized Anxiety Test → — First 60 questions free, immediate results, PDF report, 100% anonymous.