Overview
The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a brief 10-item self-report measure of non-specific psychological distress developed by Kessler and colleagues for population health surveys. It asks how often you experienced nervousness, hopelessness, restlessness, depression, and related feelings over the past 30 days.
What it measures
Each item is scored from 1 (none of the time) to 5 (all of the time). The total ranges from 10–50. Higher scores indicate greater psychological distress on the anxiety–depression spectrum — not a single disorder label.
Reference bands (Australian Bureau of Statistics / National Health Survey grouping, widely used for screening guidance):
- Low (10–15) — little or no distress
- Moderate (16–21)
- High (22–29)
- Very high (30–50)
This is an educational screening tool, not a medical diagnosis. A high score may mean it is useful to speak with a qualified professional.
Reference
Kessler, R. C., et al. (2002). Psychological Medicine, 32(6), 959–976.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the K10?
The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a 10-item screen of non-specific psychological distress over the past 30 days, developed by Kessler and colleagues for population health surveys.
How is the K10 scored?
Each item is rated 1–5 (none of the time to all of the time). The total ranges from 10 to 50. Higher scores mean greater psychological distress.
What do K10 scores mean?
Common ABS reference bands are low (10–15), moderate (16–21), high (22–29), and very high (30–50). Your LuriaLab report shows your total and interpretation — screening only, not a diagnosis.
K10 vs PHQ-9 or GAD-7?
K10 measures overall distress across anxiety–depression feelings. PHQ-9 focuses on depression symptoms and GAD-7 on anxiety; they can be useful companions after a high K10 score.
What is the K10 psychological distress test?
The K10 (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) is a validated 10-item measure of non-specific psychological distress over the past 30 days. Totals range from 10–50. Common ABS bands: low (10–15), moderate (16–21), high (22–29), very high (30–50) — a screening snapshot, not a diagnosis.
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References
Kessler, R. C., Andrews, G., Colpe, L. J., Hiripi, E., Mroczek, D. K., Normand, S. L., … Zaslavsky, A. M. (2002). Short screening scales to monitor population prevalences and trends in non-specific psychological distress. Psychological Medicine, 32(6), 959–976. © Ronald C. Kessler, PhD. Use is free with citation; see Harvard NCS K6/K10 page.