Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)

A 10-item self-report questionnaire measuring non-specific psychological distress over the past 4 weeks. Each item is scored 1-5, with higher scores indicating greater distress.

1. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel tired out for no good reason?

2. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel nervous?

3. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel so nervous that nothing could calm you down?

4. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel hopeless?

5. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel restless or fidgety?

6. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel so restless you could not sit still?

7. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel depressed?

8. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel that everything was an effort?

9. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel so sad that nothing could cheer you up?

10. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel worthless?

Note: The K10 is widely used in population health surveys and primary care. A score of 30+ indicates high likelihood of a mental disorder.

Scoring Table

Parameter	Points
Response Values	None of the time: 1 points A little of the time: 2 points Some of the time: 3 points Most of the time: 4 points All of the time: 5 points

Interpretation

Category	Score Range	Action
● Likely well	10-19	Likely to be well; no action required.
● Mild psychological distress	20-24	Mild distress; consider monitoring and self-care strategies.
● Moderate psychological distress	25-29	Moderate distress; consider referral for professional support.
● Severe psychological distress	30-50	Severe distress; referral for mental health assessment and treatment is recommended.

References

Kessler 10 (K10). Black Dog Institute (2020). https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/k10.pdf
Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Australian Department of Health / Kessler et al. (2002). https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/kessler-10-k10

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

K10 measures non-specific psychological distress, not specific diagnoses.
Scores can be affected by recent life stressors; interpret in clinical context.
A 6-item version (K6) exists for rapid screening.

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)

Scoring Table

Interpretation

References

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