Innovation of Digital Health Technologies for Screening and Mitigation of the Mental Health Consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Abstract This study presents a scoping review of the use of digital health technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to screen and mitigate risks and mental health consequences associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among children and youth. A total of 18 search articles were reviewed thoroughly within four main domains: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal behavior/ideation, anxiety/depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Findings from the search suggest that the incorporation of digital health technologies stands to improve the quality of related care provisions for the management of mental health consequences of adverse or traumatic events in childhood including PTSD (5%), suicidal behavior/ideation (22%), anxiety/depression (16%), and ADHD (16%). The use of digital health technologies, machine learning tools, natural learning processing, and AI has a positive and encouraging response in mitigating the risks of ACEs. Under proper legal regulations, security, privacy, and confidentiality assurances, digital technologies could assist in mitigating the effects of ACEs and promoting positive childhood experiences (PCEs) in children and young adults, bolstering resilience, and providing reliable public health resources to serve populations in need.