NCCN Distress Thermometer
Single-item 0–10 rating of distress over the past week, including today (Roth 1998; NCCN), with a problem list. A score ≥ 4 indicates clinically significant distress and triggers further psychosocial assessment.
Score interpretation
Below the NCCN screening cut-off of 4.
→ Routine support. Reassess at next clinical contact.
At or above the NCCN cut-off of 4: clinically significant distress.
→ Review the problem list (practical, family, emotional, spiritual, physical) and refer as indicated — clinical nurse specialist, social work, psychology / liaison psychiatry, spiritual care. Screen for depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) and suicidality; the higher the score, the more urgent the review.
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.