About the K10

The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was developed by Ronald Kessler and Dan Mroczek for the U.S. National Health Interview Survey. Ten questions about the past 30 days, rated by frequency, give a single distress score that is free to use.

What is a high K10 score?

Scores run 10 to 50. Under 20 is likely to be well, 20 to 24 mild distress, 25 to 29 moderate, 30 and over severe distress.

What is the K10 used for?

It is a general measure of psychological distress over the past month, used in population surveys and as a quick clinical check.

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Kessler & Mroczek. Free to use. Page reviewed by Michael RoBards, LCSW, September 2026.