Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10/K6) - Quick Mental Health Screening

The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10/K6) is a brief screening questionnaire used to assess nonspecific psychological distress such as anxiety and depressive symptoms. The K10 contains 10 items and the K6 is a shorter 6-item version used in population screening. It is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test.

The quiz typically takes 2–5 minutes to complete because it contains short Likert-scale questions that ask about how often you experienced specific feelings in the past 30 days.

No. The K10/K6 provides an estimate of psychological distress and helps identify people who may benefit from further evaluation. A formal diagnosis requires assessment by a qualified mental health professional.

Scores are summed across items. For the 10-item version scoring 10–50, lower scores indicate less distress and higher scores indicate more severe distress. General interpretation ranges: 10–15 (low), 16–21 (moderate), 22–29 (high), and 30–50 (very high). Use these categories as guidance and seek professional advice for moderate-to-high results.

If your score falls in the high or very high range, consider contacting a mental health professional for a comprehensive assessment. Immediate help is recommended if you experience suicidal thoughts or are at risk. In urgent situations, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Yes. You can retake the test periodically to monitor changes—common intervals are every few weeks or after starting a new treatment or intervention. Retake the test sooner if your symptoms change markedly or if you enter a crisis.