Interpreting scores on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)

Aust N Z J Public Health. 2001 Dec;25(6):494-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-842x.2001.tb00310.x.

Abstract

Objective: To provide normative data on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), a scale that is being increasingly used for clinical and epidemiological purposes.

Method: The National Survey of Mental Health And Well-Being was used to provide normative comparative data on symptoms, disability, service utilisation and diagnosis for the range of possible K10 scores.

Results: The K10 is related in predictable ways to these other measures.

Implications: The K10 is suitable to assess morbidity in the population, and may be appropriate for use in clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Family Characteristics
  • Health Surveys*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / classification
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Psychological Tests*
  • Psychometrics
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology*
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology*