K10 Psychological Distress Calculator
The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a widely used ten-item questionnaire that measures nonspecific psychological distress — a general sense of anxious and depressive feelings — over the past four weeks. It is often used in population health surveys and primary-care settings as a quick indicator of overall distress.
How the score is calculated
Each item is rated on a five-point frequency scale from "none of the time" to "all of the time," scored 1–5. The ten item scores are summed for a total ranging from 10 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater nonspecific psychological distress.
Important limitations
- The K10 measures general distress and does not identify a specific diagnosis.
- It reflects the past four weeks and can be affected by short-term stressors as well as ongoing conditions.
- Population-level severity labels ("likely mild/moderate/severe disorder") are statistical associations, not individual diagnoses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the K10?
A ten-item scale measuring nonspecific psychological distress — a blend of anxious and depressive feelings — over the past four weeks.
How is the K10 scored?
Each item is scored 1–5 based on frequency; the ten scores are added for a total between 10 and 50.
What does a high K10 score mean?
Higher totals are associated with greater levels of general psychological distress, which may warrant a conversation with a healthcare professional.
Is the K10 specific to depression or anxiety?
No — it intentionally measures general distress rather than symptoms of one specific condition.