The K10 (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) asks 10 questions about how you have been feeling in the last four weeks. It measures general psychological distress, the mix of anxiety, low mood and exhaustion that builds up when life gets heavy.
- One question per screen. Tap an answer to move on (or use the number keys on a keyboard).
- Your score, what it means, and the next step, straight away.
- Your answers stay on your device. Nothing is saved or sent.
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call your local emergency number now. Helplines are listed below the test.
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How this test is scored
Each of the 10 questions is scored from 1 (None of the time) to 5 (All of the time), for a total of 10 to 50. Bands used in the Australian K10 guidance (Andrews & Slade 2001): 10 to 19 likely well, 20 to 24 mild distress, 25 to 29 moderate distress, 30 to 50 severe distress. A score of 30 or more also shows urgent help information.
About the K10
The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was developed by Professor Ronald Kessler and colleagues for the redesigned U.S. National Health Interview Survey. It was later used in Australia's 1997 National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being (Kessler et al., 2002). It does not look for one specific condition. Instead, it measures general psychological distress over the last four weeks: feeling nervous, hopeless, restless, worthless, or so tired that everything is an effort. Using Australian national survey data, researchers showed that K10 scores relate in predictable ways to symptoms, disability, use of services and diagnosis (Andrews & Slade, 2001).
How to read your result
Your score is like a pressure gauge for the past month. Distress rises during job loss, debt, exams, illness in the family or conflict at home, and it can come down again when life settles or support improves. A higher score does not tell you why you are struggling. It tells you that the load is heavy right now.
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A professional can help work out what is behind the distress.
When to talk to a professional
Speak to a psychologist or doctor if your score is in the moderate or severe range, or if distress has lasted for weeks. If you feel constantly drained, read emotional exhaustion vs. laziness.
Source
Kessler RC, Andrews G, Colpe LJ, Hiripi E, Mroczek DK, Normand SLT, Walters EE, Zaslavsky AM. Short screening scales to monitor population prevalences and trends in non-specific psychological distress. Psychol Med. 2002;32(6):959-976. K10 © Ronald C. Kessler, Harvard Medical School; use is free and does not require formal permission (Harvard National Comorbidity Survey). Score bands (10-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-50) as published in the Australian Mental Health Outcomes and Classification Network K10 training manual, based on Andrews G, Slade T. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2001;25(6):494-497.
- Pakistan: Umang mental health helpline 0311 7786264 (emergency: police 15, Rescue 1122)
- Saudi Arabia: emergency 911; counselling line 920033360 (8am–8pm, Saturday 1pm–8pm; not 24 hours)
- India: Tele-MANAS 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 (emergency 112)
- Bangladesh: Kaan Pete Roi +880 9612-119911 (3pm to 3am daily)
- United States: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988 (24/7)
- Canada: 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, call or text 988 (24/7)
- UK and Ireland: Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- European Union: emergency number 112
- Anywhere else: call your local emergency number, or find a free helpline at findahelpline.com.