Aberdeen researchers tracking the mental and physical health challenges faced later in life by those who experienced potentially traumatic events in childhood say interventions are needed to prevent inequalities in mental health and severe pain.

For the first time, researchers have found adults with adverse childhood experiences are significantly more likely to live with severe pain, depression and anxiety when they reach 50 years old.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to potentially traumatic events or circumstances during childhood including financial hardship, family conflict, neglect, bullying, abuse or family illness.

Analysing health data from more than 16,000 people across the UK, the University of Aberdeen team also found that the more trauma experienced, the greater the impact on health at 50.

The researchers say the introduction of screening in primary care for ACEs may help reduce the burden of chronic pain and other poor health outcomes.

University of Aberdeen’s Chair in Epidemiology, Professor Gary Macfarlane who led the work said:

“Our study provides evidence of the multifaceted potential health consequences of ACEs but showing greatest excess risks in relation to mental ill-health and severe pain.

“This emphasises the role of childhood adversity as a key driver of health inequalities, and a public health priority.

“Our findings highlight the importance of considering prevention strategies to mitigate the potential long-term health consequences of ACEs.”

Well-understood to impact childhood wellbeing, ACEs have been associated with long-term adverse health and social outcomes, inculding recent a 13% greater risk of suffering from multiple chronic conditions.

However, this is the first study to look across a broad range of specific health outcomes.

The Aberdeen researchers also looked at the ‘complex picture’ of health later in life for those affected by multiple adverse childhood experiences and the differences seen in men and women.

This, they say could support the development of a more tailored approach to care or early interventions.

For both, severe pain and poor mental health were found to have the largest association with ACEs.

Women who experienced childhood trauma were more at risk of experiencing back problems, gastrointestinal problems, and asthma or bronchitis than men.

Migraines, eyesight problems and hay fever were found not to be significantly associated with ACEs for either.

Professor Macfarlane said:

“Going forward, screening for ACEs in primary care settings, and targeted interventions for at-risk individuals, may help reduce the burden of chronic pain, mental ill-health, and other poor health outcomes.

“While ‘broad spectrum’ interventions remain important to ameliorate the impact of ACEs, a targeted approach, considering types of ACE, could address specific vulnerabilities – particularly mental ill-health and severe pain.

“The findings also highlight the importance of preventing childhood trauma and providing early support to at-risk families.”

Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis which helped fund the research said:

“Findings suggest that our earliest experiences may be driving the health inequalities we know exist for people living with chronic pain.

“Tackling childhood adversity is vital, if our governments are serious about reducing the burden of chronic pain for the next generation.”

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