ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EVENTS (ACES)

Medical and psychiatric professionals have long known that trauma and stress have dramatic effects on mental health. But in 1995, a team of researchers conducted a two-year study that focused specifically on the link between trauma in childhood and signs of disease and and other factors that can contribute to an early, unexpected death.

The test was simple. Participants were asked ten “yes” or “no” questions identifying experiences in their childhood that were related to abuse, neglect, and adversity. These experiences of trauma are called Adverse Childhood Events, or ACEs for short. What the researchers found was completely unexpected and the results provided groundbreaking information.

 Before we look at their findings, we want to give you the opportunity to take the test. Remember, each “yes” answer scores a point.

 The results for us were revelatory and will likely be for you as well.