ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EVENT STUDIES (ACE)
Implications for health and treatment
A growing body of research demonstrates the profound and long-lasting impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on physical and mental health outcomes.1 One systematic review and meta-analysis found that with each additional ACE, the odds of developing multimorbidity increase by 12.9% (95% CI: 7.9–17.9%).2 This highlights the cumulative toll of early adversity across multiple body systems.
Exposure to complex trauma including ongoing neglect, abuse, or household dysfunction is associated with increased rates of:
Mental illness (e.g., anxiety, depression)
Digestive disorders
Osteopathic and musculoskeletal conditions
Diabetes
Cardiovascular and circulatory diseases²
The greater the number of ACEs, the higher the risk across these domains
What Can Doctors Do to Interrupt This Trajectory?
Doctors play a critical role in early identification and intervention. This includes:
Being alert to potential trauma risks, such as domestic violence, neglect, and poor attachment.
Noticing signs of distress in young people and families including emotional dysregulation, withdrawal, school refusal, or family conflict.
Referring to mental health professionals for comprehensive assessment and treatment planning. Even brief interventions, when trauma is suspected, can significantly impact outcomes by helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Reducing trauma and trauma impact
As a psychologist, I’ve found a holistic, trauma-informed approach particularly effective. This often involves:
Comprehensive psychological assessment
Individual counselling to process trauma (when appropriate)
Emotion coaching and teaching self-regulation skills (e.g., mindfulness, grounding techniques, CBT strategies)
Supporting the development of secure attachment between children and their caregivers
By working with parents on attuned communication, reflective listening, and consistent emotional support, we can reduce the impact of trauma and strengthen family relationships. When families begin to function as a more emotionally safe system, young people’s resilience, self-esteem, and wellbeing improve markedly.
References
Bourassa, K,J; Moffitt, T,E, et al; Childhood Adversity and Mid-Life health shining a light on the black box of psycho-social mechanisms. Prevention Science (2023) 24:817–828
The impact of adverse childhood experiences on multimorbidity : A systematic review and meta-analysis; Senaratne et al. BMC Medicine (2024) 22:315;