NCCN Distress Thermometer
Single-item visual analogue (0 = no distress, 10 = extreme) plus 39-item problem list (NCCN guideline). Score ≥4 triggers further psychosocial assessment in cancer patients.
Score interpretation
→ Routine support. Reassess at next clinical contact.
→ Review problem list (practical, family, emotional, spiritual, physical). Refer to clinical nurse specialist or social work as indicated. Consider PHQ-9 / GAD-7.
→ Urgent psychosocial review — psychology / liaison psychiatry. Screen for depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and suicidality. Address top problem-list items immediately. Spiritual care referral.
Interpretation bands for the Distress Thermometer. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Cetuximab · Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody — Head and Neck Cancer
- Cisplatin · Platinum Chemotherapy — Head and Neck Cancer
- Poractant Alfa (Porcine Surfactant) · Lung Surfactant (Respiratory Distress Syndrome — Neonatal)
- Dalteparin · Low Molecular Weight Heparin — VTE Treatment / Cancer-Associated Thrombosis
- Acute Behavioural Disturbance / Rapid Tranquillisation · RCEM 2022; RCPsych 2022; NICE NG10
- Self-Harm Presentation · NICE NG225 (2022)
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity Act) · MCA 2005; Code of Practice
- Acute Psychosis Management · NICE CG178 2014
- Depression Management · NICE CG90 2022
- Lithium Therapy Monitoring · NICE CG185
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.