Adverse childhood experiences are correlated with chronic mental health and addiction problems such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse. In multiple studies, ACEs were significantly associated with negative mental health outcomes such as depression and substance dependence with a mediating variable of mood and anxiety disorders. 

University of Illinois at Chicago

Children who have experienced at least one ACE are at more of a risk for:
- Toxic stress
- Increased risk for mental illness
- Increased suicidal ideation and attempts
- Increased risk for chronic physical health problems 

Consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Kalmakis, K. A., & Chandler, G. E. (2015). Health consequences of adverse childhood experiences: A systematic review. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 27(8), 457-465. https://doi.org/10.1002/2327-6924.12215

Health consequences of adverse childhood experiences: A systematic review

Toxic stress occurs when a child has underwent a traumatic event for so long that the body fails to recover fully. This type of stress is considered "toxic," because of its high correlations with modified gene expression, increased allostatic load, and issues with cognitive and social-emotional development.

Toxic Stress

Several studies have found a direct correlation between ACEs and suicide attempts, as well as the preoccupation with the idea of suicide. A nationwide study found that both physical and sexual abuse during childhood (in addition to seeing domestic violence) greatly influenced suicide attempts. The researchers inferred that preventing ACE in this studied population would've reduced suicide attempts by 50% for women and 33% for men.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can increase suicidal ideation and attempts

Adverse childhood experiences has been associated with several physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, autoimmune disease, headaches, sleep disturbances, obesity, and early death.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can increase risk for chronic physical health problems 

-Unhealthy coping mechanisms
-Difficulty Coping
-Neurodevelopment issues & behavioral conditions


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