WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10, 2014
1:30 p.m.
Vincent J. Felitti, MD, University of California

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is one of the largest investigations ever conducted to assess the relationship between childhood trauma and adult well-being. Traumatic childhood experiences have been linked to a variety of changes in brain structure and function. With a specific focus on childhood abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction, data collected from the ACE study suggests that certain experiences are major risk factors for the leading causes of illness and death. This session will explore the results of the ACE study and emphasize that prevention of some of our nation’s worst health and social problems might start with understanding that these issues might be consequences of adverse childhood experiences.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review study results from adverse childhood experiences that identified their profound negative effect on adult health and well-being.
2. State the impact of childhood trauma and violence on physical health comorbidities in adults.
3. Recognize the demonstrated major economic benefit of a small change that is frequently resisted due to practitioner discomfort.