Anxiety & Depression Test (K10)
Free K10 psychological distress screening. 10 questions, 2 minutes. The Kessler scale used by GPs and Medicare mental health assessments across Australia.
Before You Start
- This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test
- All answers are processed in your browser only
- No data is stored or sent to any server
- Results can be copied to share with your clinician
What Is the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)?
The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was developed by Professor Ronald Kessler at Harvard University and is one of the most widely used measures of non-specific psychological distress worldwide. It is the standard mental health screening tool used in the Australian Health Survey and is routinely used by GPs, psychologists, and occupational therapists across Australia and New Zealand. The K10 measures symptoms of anxiety and depression over the past four weeks without diagnosing a specific condition.
Signs You Might Benefit From This Screening
About 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental health condition each year, and many more experience periods of psychological distress that affect their daily functioning. You might benefit from this screening if you have been feeling more tired, nervous, restless, hopeless, or worthless than usual, or if everything feels like more effort than it should. The K10 is not about labelling you — it is about understanding where you are right now so you can take the right next step.
How the K10 Works
The K10 consists of 10 questions about emotional states experienced over the past 4 weeks, each scored from 1 (none of the time) to 5 (all of the time). Total scores range from 10 to 50. Scores of 10–15 indicate low distress, 16–21 moderate distress, 22–29 high distress, and 30–50 very high distress. In Australia, a K10 score of 22 or above is commonly used as a threshold for referral to mental health services and may support access to a Mental Health Care Plan through your GP.
What Happens After the Screening?
If your K10 score indicates high or very high distress, consider sharing your results with your GP. In Australia, a K10 score is often used as part of the assessment for a Mental Health Care Plan, which provides access to subsidised psychological therapy under Medicare. Your GP or occupational therapist can help determine the right support — whether that is counselling, lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination. Psychological distress is treatable, and seeking help early leads to better outcomes.