Validity of the K-10 in detecting depression and anxiety disorders

According to studies conducted in various countries, it is estimated that between 30 and 50 percent of people have a mental health problem that goes unrecognized by the general practitioner. In light of this situation, a strategy has been proposed involving primary care as the basis of the healthcare system, which would allow for early detection of patients with psychiatric disorders. Various entities indicate that one of the first actions to be taken toward achieving the care objectives of people with mental disorders consists of using a quick, self-applicable, valid, reliable and low-cost scale. This project presents the psychometric characteristics of the Kessler psychological distress scale 10 (K-10) for detection of depression and anxiety disorders. The K-10 is a screening tool that is quickly and easily used by primary care staff and has been implemented in several populationlevel studies. In Australia in 1997, the K-10 was applied as part of a health survey conducted by the Mental Health Council of Australia.