Facts About Adverse Childhood Experiences

 

Adverse childhood experiences are common.


The short- and long-term outcomes of “ACE” include a multitude of health and social problems.


As the number of stressors experienced during childhood increases, the risk for health problems later in life increases proportionally for the following health problems:


  • alcoholism and alcohol abuse

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • depression

  • fetal death

  • health-related quality of life

  • illicit drug use

  • ischemic heart disease (IHD)

  • liver disease

  • risk for intimate partner violence

  • multiple sexual partners

  • sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

  • smoking

  • suicide attempts

  • unintended pregnancies


Source: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Ace Study.



 

Most adverse childhood experiences are preventable!


To learn more about specific adverse childhood experiences,

click on the appropriate topic on the left menu.