Adverse Childhood Experiences Contribute to Adult Illness

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Adverse Childhood Experiences Contribute to Adult Illness

Only recently have research investigations focused on the potential association between childhood experiences and adult behaviors and health. In a study of 9,508 subjects which examined this possibility, subjects completed a complete standardized health evaluation, then were asked to complete a questionnaire which listed seven categories of adverse childhood experiences:

Abuse

Psychological
Physical
Sexual

Household Dysfunction

Substance abuse
Mental illness
Mother treated violently
Criminal behavior in the home

Subjects' records were then evaluated for major health risk factors (domestic violence, depression, suicide attempts, etc.) and the presence of serious illness (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, chronic bronchitis/emphysema).
Findings: More than half of the respondents reported exposure to at least one of the seven categories of adverse childhood experiences. A strong relationship was found between the number of childhood exposures and the number of health risk factors for leading causes of death in adults. Among people with no childhood exposures, 56% had none of the 10 risk factors, whereas only 14% of those with at least four categories of childhood exposures had no risk factors.
Adverse childhood experiences are far too common and have potential long-term associations with adult health risk behaviors, health status, and disease. Increased attention to early prevention strategies is needed. If you suspect that one of your patients is a victim of abuse, contact the proper authorities immediately.
Felitti VJ, Anda RF, et al. Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 1998;14(4), pp245-58.