As your Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) score rises, so does the likelihood of facing various health problems and social and emotional difficulties. Consider your score as a record of the different types of harmful stress you endured during your childhood, serving as an indicator of statistical risks to your well-being.

The ACE study reveals a strong correlation between an increasing ACE score and the risk of experiencing mental health issues and medical conditions such as chronic depression, cancer, or coronary heart disease, all of which are associated with childhood trauma.

For individuals with a score of 4 or higher, the consequences are particularly severe. At this level, the probability of developing chronic pulmonary lung disease increases by 390%, hepatitis by 240%, depression by 460%, and attempted suicide by a staggering 1,220%.

Nevertheless, even a lower ACE score can have significant repercussions. Approximately a quarter of Americans have an ACE score of only one, and their likelihood of developing alcoholism doubles. With an ACE score of two, the risk of alcoholism quadruples, while an ACE score of 3 may help explain the presence of chronic depression.

By understanding your childhood experiences, you gain insight into potential risks and become empowered to take preventive measures against potential consequences.