K10

Question 1

What does the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) measure?

Answer 1

The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a brief, self-report measure designed to assess the level of non-specific psychological distress.

Question 2

What are some symptoms that the K10 assesses?

Answer 2

The K10 emphasises symptoms of anxiety and depressive states including:
- Sadness
- Nervousness
- Hopelessness
- Restlessness
- Worthlessness

Question 3

What is the time frame over which individuals are asked to recall their symptoms when completing the K10?

Answer 3

30 days

Question 4

How many items are in the K10?

Answer 4

10 items

Question 5

What are the clinical uses for the K10?

Answer 5

Screening Tool
Referral to Mental Health Services
Monitoring Intervention
Research (e.g. Population Surveys)

Question 6

What is the age range for the K10?

Answer 6

18 years and older

Can be used with 16 -17 years old depending on maturity

Question 7

How many points can a person chose from when responding and what are the descriptors?

Answer 7

5 point likert scale

1 = None of the time
2 = A little of the time
3 = Some of the time
4 = Most of the time
5 = All of the time

Question 8

How do you score the K10?

Answer 8

Sum the responses for all 10 items

Question 9

What is the range for scores on the K10?

Answer 9

10 to 50

Question 10

How many categories are there for Psychological Distress and what are their descriptors?

Answer 10

4 categories

Low Psychological Distress
Moderate Psychological Distress
High Psychological Distress
Very High Psychological Distress

Question 11

What are the range of scores for Low Psychological Distress and what are the implications for probability of experiencing a mental disorder?

Answer 11

Low Psychological Distress: 10-19

Likely to be Well

Question 12

What are the range of scores for Moderate Psychological Distress and what are the implications for probability of experiencing a mental disorder?

Answer 12

Moderate Psychological Distress: 20-24

Likely to have a mild mental disorder

Question 13

What are the range of scores for High Psychological Distress and what are the implications for probability of experiencing a mental disorder?

Answer 13

High Psychological Distress: 25-29

Likely to have a moderate mental disorder

Question 14

What are the range of scores for Very High Psychological Distress and what are the implications for probability of experiencing a mental disorder?

Answer 14

Very High Psychological Distress: 30-50

Likely to have a severe mental disorder

Question 15

An individual responded that they experience symptoms “None of the time” for all 10 items.

What would be their total score, psychological distress level, and probability of experiencing a mental disorder?

Answer 15

“None of the time” has a value of 1

Total score = 10

The individual would be experiencing Very Low Psychological Distress and likely to be Well

Question 16

An individual responded that they experience symptoms “A little of the time” for all 10 items.

What would be their total score, psychological distress level, and probability of experiencing a mental disorder?

Answer 16

“A little of the time” has a value of 2

Total score = 20

The individual would be experiencing Very Moderate Psychological Distress and likely to have a Mild Mental Disorder

Question 17

An individual responded that they experience symptoms “Some of the time” for all 10 items.

What would be their total score, psychological distress level, and probability of experiencing a mental disorder?

Answer 17

“Some of the time” has a value of 3

Total score = 30

The individual would be experiencing Very High Psychological Distress and likely to have a Severe Mental Disorder