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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The K10 is suitable to assess morbidity in the population, and may be appropriate for use in clinical practice.
Andrews
G
G
World Health Organization Collaborating Centre in Evidence for Mental Health Policy and School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst. gavina@crufad.unsw.edu.au
Slade
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005191:Family Characteristics; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*