Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are things that happen before adulthood that can cause trauma. Or they're things that make a child feel like their home isn't safe or stable. Some examples of ACEs include violence, neglect, abuse, and family mental health or substance use problems. Here are some of the most common types of ACEs. There are other childhood experiences that can cause trauma as well. For example, things like discrimination, being bullied, and being in foster care can also cause stress that can have long-term effects. ACEs are common. Most people have at least one. How you are affected by an ACE depends on the type of ACE and how much distress it caused. People who have multiple ACEs tend to have more physical and mental health problems than people with few or no ACEs. This may be because of physical changes that can happen in a child's body when they have ongoing stress. It may also be because of health-harming behaviors (like smoking or risky sexual behavior) that are more common in people with more ACEs. But having had ACEs doesn't mean that you will have physical or mental health problems. It just means that your risk for those things is higher. There are things you can do to reduce the effects of ACEs and take care of your mental and physical health. The best thing you can do is to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. Here are some ways to do that. Many adults have spent a lifetime learning to live with the effects of ACEs. But it's never too late to get help or to make positive changes. Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Overview
What are some examples of ACEs?
What happens when you've had ACEs?
How can you reduce the effects?
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardUnderstanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.