Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

  • The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a simple measure of psychological distress. The K10 scale involves 10 questions about emotional states each with a five-level response scale. The measure can
    be used as a brief screen to identify levels of distress. The tool can be given to patients to complete, or alternatively the questions can be read to the patient by the practitioner.


    In the context of injury management, the measure can be provided to the patient where recovery is not proceeding as anticipated (for instance, between weeks four and six), and may highlight the need for more regular review, or referral to a specialist health provider such as a psychologist.

     

  • 1. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel tired out for no good reason?*
  • 2. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel nervous?*
  • 3. In the past 4 weeks, about how often didyou feel so nervous that nothing couldcalm you down?*
  • 4. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel hopeless?*
  • 5. In the past 4 weeks, about how often didyou feel restless or fidgety?*
  • 6. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel so restless you could not sit still?*
  • 7. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel depressed?*
  • 8. In the past 4 weeks, about how often did you feel that everything was an effort?*
  • 9. In the past 4 weeks, about how often didyou feel so sad that nothing could cheeryou up?*
  • 10. In the past 4 weeks, about how often didyou feel worthless?*
  • Should be Empty: