Mental Health Effects of Child Maltreatment May Surface Later in Life

In 10 seconds? Maltreatment during childhood increases the risk of diagnosis with a mental health disorder after the age of 38, even without a prior history of mental health disorders, researchers have found.

What “counts” as child maltreatment? Maltreatment during childhood is quantified by counting the type and/or the number of 'adverse childhood experiences' (ACEs). Periods of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as physical and emotional neglect, are considered types of ACEs.