Anxiety Assessment
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Browse evidence-led AnxietyInfo guides in this section.
How Anxiety Disorders Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis is a clinical process that considers symptoms, duration, impairment, development, physical health, medicines, substance use and alternative explanations. An online checklist cannot establish a diagnosis.
AssessmentGAD-7 Anxiety Screening Questionnaire
The GAD-7 is a brief validated symptom questionnaire used for screening and monitoring. A score does not by itself diagnose generalized anxiety disorder or determine the right treatment.
AssessmentAnxiety vs Stress
Stress is a response to demands or pressures; an anxiety disorder involves a characteristic pattern of fear, worry or avoidance that persists or causes significant impairment. The two can overlap.
AssessmentAnxiety vs Depression
Anxiety and depression can share sleep, concentration, fatigue and irritability symptoms and often occur together. Assessment looks at mood, loss of interest, fear, worry, risk and functioning.
AssessmentAnxiety vs OCD
OCD involves obsessions, compulsions or both and is classified separately from anxiety disorders. Worry, intrusive thoughts and reassurance seeking can overlap, making accurate assessment important.
AssessmentAnxiety vs PTSD
PTSD requires qualifying trauma exposure and a specific pattern of intrusion, avoidance, negative changes and arousal. Generalized anxiety and panic can occur without trauma and can coexist with PTSD.
AssessmentAnxiety vs ADHD
Anxiety and ADHD can both affect concentration, organization, restlessness and sleep. Developmental history, triggers, symptoms across settings and the timing of impairment help distinguish them.
AssessmentAnxiety vs Bipolar Disorder
Agitation, poor sleep and racing thoughts can occur in anxiety and bipolar mood episodes. Bipolar assessment also considers distinct periods of elevated or irritable mood, energy and activity.
AssessmentCan Thyroid Problems Cause Anxiety?
Thyroid disorders can produce anxiety-like symptoms such as palpitations, tremor, heat intolerance, fatigue or mood change. Testing decisions should be based on clinical assessment rather than symptoms alone.
AssessmentMedication- and Substance-Induced Anxiety
Caffeine, stimulants, cannabis, alcohol withdrawal, some medicines and other substances can cause or worsen anxiety. Sudden symptoms require review of timing, dose, interactions and withdrawal risk.
AssessmentWhen Anxiety Symptoms Are a Medical Emergency
Call emergency services for severe chest pain, major breathing difficulty, fainting, stroke signs, severe allergic reaction, overdose, dangerous withdrawal, or immediate risk of self-harm or harm to others.