Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and ACE Scores

 This week at Heartland Therapy Connection, we will explore the connection between anxiety and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This may help offer insight into how early life experiences influence mental health. In recent years, a growing body of research has shed light on the impact of ACEs on our psychological and physical health. ACEs encompass a range of traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, which can have long-lasting consequences. One significant area where ACEs can leave their mark is on an individual’s mental well-being, particularly in the form of anxiety.

Understanding ACE Scores

Before we look into the relationship between ACE scores and anxiety, what are ACE scores exactly? ACEs are a series of adverse events that often occur during childhood. These include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, parental divorce, substance abuse in the household, and more. Each ACE is assigned a point, and an individual’s ACE score represents the cumulative total of these points. Individuals can score anywhere between 0 and 10. A higher ACE score indicates a higher exposure to childhood adversity. If you want to read more about ACE scores, you can read more on one of our previous blogs.

The Impact of ACEs on Anxiety

1. Impacted Brain Development: Studies have shown that exposure to ACEs can lead to alterations in brain development, particularly in stress and emotional regulation. This can make individuals more susceptible to anxiety disorders in adulthood.

2. Chronic Stress Response: ACEs can sensitize the body’s stress response system, leading to chronic stress and anxiety. This may lead to a state of hyper-vigilance or the feeling of being constantly on edge.

3. Maladaptive Coping Skills: Many individuals who experience ACEs may develop maladaptive coping skills to ease and manage anxiety. These behaviors can further exacerbate mental health issues.

4. Negative Self-Perception: ACEs can also influence an individual’s self-esteem and self-worth, contributing to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. Therapy and support can help individuals challenge these negative self-perceptions.

You can take the ACE measure here. 

Breaking the Cycle

Sources/Other Resources: 

1. Felitti, V. J., et al. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.

This foundational study introduced the concept of ACEs and their impact on health. It’s available on the CDC website: ACE Study

2. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2021). Anxiety Disorders. The NIMH provides information on various anxiety disorders, their symptoms, and treatment options. 

You can find this information here: NIMH – Anxiety Disorders

3. Teicher, M. H., et al. (2003). Childhood maltreatment is associated with reduced volume in the hippocampal subfields CA3, dentate gyrus, and subiculum.

 This study explores the effects of childhood maltreatment on brain structure. You can access it here: PubMed – Childhood Maltreatment and Hippocampal Volume

4. McCrory, E., De Brito, S. A., & Viding, E. (2012). Research Review: The neurobiology and genetics of maltreatment and adversity.

This review discusses the neurobiological and genetic factors involved in the relationship between childhood adversity and mental health outcomes. You can find it here: PubMed – Neurobiology and Genetics of Maltreatment

5. National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (2021). Understanding the Impact of Trauma.

The NCTSN offers valuable resources on the effects of trauma and how it can lead to anxiety and other mental health issues: NCTSN – Understanding the Impact of Trauma