A K10 score of 35 falls into the very high category for psychological distress.
Understanding the K10 Scale
The K10 (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) is a short questionnaire used to measure non-specific psychological distress experienced by an individual over the past four weeks. It assesses symptoms such as nervousness, hopelessness, restlessness, depression, and tiredness. Each question is scored from 0 to 4, with a total score ranging from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate higher levels of psychological distress.
K10 Score Levels
The K10 total scores are typically categorized into levels of psychological distress as follows:
| K10 Total Score | Level of Psychological Distress |
|---|---|
| 10-15 | Low |
| 16-21 | Moderate |
| 22-29 | High |
| 30-50 | Very high |
Implications of a K10 Score of 35
A K10 score of 35 signifies a very high level of psychological distress. This level suggests that an individual is likely experiencing significant symptoms of distress that may impact their daily functioning and well-being.
- Potential Symptoms: Individuals with a very high score may be experiencing severe anxiety, depression, or other forms of mental distress that could manifest as persistent feelings of sadness, panic, inability to cope, or loss of interest in activities.
- Need for Support: A score in this range often indicates a strong need for professional mental health support, such as counselling, therapy, or medical evaluation. It is a critical indicator that an individual may benefit from immediate intervention to manage their symptoms and improve their mental health.
- Impact on Life: Very high distress levels can significantly affect various aspects of life, including work or study performance, relationships, physical health, and overall quality of life.
The K10 scale is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one. While a high score highlights significant distress, a professional assessment is necessary to understand the specific nature of the distress and to formulate an appropriate management plan.
