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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Characteristic distribution of the total and individual item scores on the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6) in US adults

Authors: Shinichiro Tomitaka, Yohei Kawasaki, Kazuki Ide, Maiko Akutagawa, Hiroshi Yamada, Yutaka Ono, Toshiaki A. Furukawa

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

The distributional pattern of total scores on depression screening scales in the general population has not been well studied. Recent studies suggest that the total scores on depression screening scales follow an exponential pattern, with the exception of the lower end of the distribution. To further investigate the findings, we determined the distributions of the total and individual item scores on the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6).

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. Participants comprised 6,223 individuals between the ages of 25 and 74. The distributions of the total and individual item scores in various combinations were investigated with histograms and regression analysis.

Results

Irrespective of the combination of items, the total and individual item scores followed an exponential pattern except at the lower scores. The estimated rate parameters of regression analysis were similar among distributions with the same number of chosen items. At the lower scores, the distributional patterns of total scores varied according to the ratio of “a little” to “none” for each item response.

Conclusions

The present results have the potential to estimate the distribution of depressive symptoms in the general population. While the degree of depressive symptoms varies from individual to individual, an entire population may show a certain mathematical distribution.

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Title: Characteristic distribution of the total and individual item scores on the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6) in US adults
Authors: Shinichiro Tomitaka
Yohei Kawasaki
Kazuki Ide
Maiko Akutagawa
Hiroshi Yamada
Yutaka Ono
Toshiaki A. Furukawa
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1449-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Characteristic distribution of the total and individual item scores on the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6) in US adults

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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