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Philadelphia, PA – Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as physical and sexual abuse, parental substance misuse, and exposure to violent crime are deeply impactful events that often ripple into adulthood, significantly affecting mental health and behavior. According to a recent survey, 64% of American adults reported experiencing at least one ACE before turning 18.
New research published in Nature Human Behavior reveals that individuals who have endured ACEs are at heightened risk for developing mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. The study emphasizes the alarming trend of self-medication with drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism for mood and anxiety disorders, exacerbating these issues.
Dr. Henry Kranzler, a professor of Psychiatry and director of the Center for Studies of Addiction at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, co-authored the study. Kranzler and his team discovered that people with mental health conditions reported higher instances of ACEs and a lack of protective factors, such as supportive family connections, which could mitigate their adverse effects.
“These findings suggest that multiple pathways lead to mental health conditions after exposure to childhood adversity,” said Kranzler.
The Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Events
The resilience of children is often challenged, especially in recent years with the additional stressors of remote learning and social-emotional disruptions due to the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that three in four high school students experienced at least one ACE during the pandemic, correlating with poor mental health and suicidal behavior.
Other studies highlight the long-term impact of ACEs on behavior into adulthood and the significant economic burden they impose. One study estimated the national economic burden of ACEs-related adult health conditions at $14.1 trillion annually, including $183 billion in direct medical spending.
Intervening Early
Kranzler’s research team examined associations among ACEs, mood or anxiety disorders, and substance dependence in a diverse cohort of 12,668 individuals. Their analysis supported the hypothesis that self-medication with substances to cope with trauma is a primary pathway leading to these disorders.
“Earlier intervention is key,” said Dr. Rachel Kember, an assistant professor of Psychiatry and study co-author. The research suggests that enhancing coping skills and emotional resilience in children exposed to ACEs can reduce the risk of future mental health issues.
Genetic predispositions also contribute to the risk of developing substance use, mood, or anxiety disorders. Understanding the interplay between genetic risk and childhood adversity is crucial for designing effective early interventions that promote emotional regulation and coping skills.
Dr. Christal Davis, a postdoctoral fellow at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (VAMC) and co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of reducing children’s exposure to traumatic experiences and increasing their access to protective factors. Safe, stable relationships, positive friendships, and supportive school environments can help prevent the development of mental health issues.
Looking Ahead
While the dataset analyzed in this study is novel and calls for further research to confirm these findings, the study marks a significant step towards understanding and addressing the impact of ACEs.
“The findings underscore the need for efforts to prevent or intervene early with individuals who experience adverse childhood events, as they have the potential to prevent or limit the development of a variety of psychiatric disorders, including substance dependence,” said Kranzler.
For more information, refer to the original research by Henry R. Kranzler et al, “Gene × environment effects and mediation involving adverse childhood events, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance dependence,” in Nature Human Behaviour (2024).
