About the K10
What is the K10?
The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a simple, 10-question screening tool that measures psychological distress. It was developed by Professor Ronald Kessler at Harvard Medical School and is one of the most widely used mental health screening instruments in the world.
The K10 asks about how you've been feeling over the past 4 weeks, covering symptoms like tiredness, nervousness, hopelessness, restlessness, depression, and feelings of worthlessness. Each question uses a 5-point scale from “none of the time” to “all of the time.”
Your answers produce a score between 10 and 50. This score indicates your level of psychological distress and can help you decide whether to seek professional support.
Who uses it?
The K10 is used extensively across Australia and internationally. It is part of the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey, used by NSW Health in public mental health services, endorsed by the Black Dog Institute, and adopted by the World Health Organization in their World Mental Health Survey Initiative.
GPs across Australia use the K10 as a screening tool to assess psychological distress in their patients. It's widely recommended as a measure of outcomes following treatment for common mental health disorders.
How is it scored?
Each of the 10 questions is scored from 1 (none of the time) to 5 (all of the time). The scores are added together to give a total between 10 and 50.
Low psychological distress. You’re likely functioning well.
Some symptoms present. May benefit from self-help strategies or monitoring.
Significant distress likely impacting daily life. A GP visit is encouraged.
Very high distress with a high probability of an anxiety or depressive disorder. Please see your GP as soon as possible.
Important: What the K10 is NOT
The K10 is a screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis. It measures psychological distress and can indicate whether you might benefit from professional support, but it cannot diagnose any specific mental health condition.
If your score suggests moderate or severe distress, we strongly encourage you to see your GP. A GP can provide a proper assessment, discuss what you're experiencing, and connect you with the right support.
References & Further Reading
- Kessler, R.C. et al. (2002). Short screening scales to monitor population prevalences and trends in non-specific psychological distress. Psychological Medicine, 32(6), 959-976.
- Andrews, G. & Slade, T. (2001). Interpreting scores on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 25(6), 494-497.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. Information Paper: Use of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale in ABS Health Surveys (4817.0.55.001).