Adverse Childhood Experiences 101: A Primer for Clinicians

Abstract

We provide an overview of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including a brief history and critique of ACEs as a cumulative risk factor, how ACEs are measured, prevalence of ACEs in epidemiological studies, and associations between ACEs and negative outcomes. Next, we list current hypotheses about potential mechanisms of risk between ACEs and negative outcomes and highlight the importance of examining the social determinants of ACEs. We point out the paucity of research on protective factors in studies on ACEs. Finally, we briefly review potential interventions (broadly defined) to prevent and address the consequences of ACEs. We end with several suggestions on what clinicians can do to help patients with a history of ACEs.