Linking Sex Differences in Childhood Adversity to Rates of Adult Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

Approximately 61% of individuals worldwide have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE). ACEs are events that can be traumatic and include abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Researchers have investigated the link between ACEs and the risk of having an anxiety disorder in adulthood. There has also been research exploring differences between females and males, or sex differences, in the rates of adult anxiety disorders. On average, more females have an anxiety disorder than males. Little research exists on exploring whether sex differences in ACE exposure drive sex differences in rates of adult anxiety disorders. The current literature review aims to bridge the gap between these two subfields of anxiety research. Analysis of relevant research articles revealed that females experience more sexual abuse whereas males experience more physical abuse. However, females on average experience more ACEs and variation in patterns of ACEs, as suggested by nearly 62% of all articles searched. All articles found a positive, significant link between ACE exposure and variation in patterns with the risk of having an adult anxiety disorder. These results emphasize the potential role of childhood experiences in an individual’s risk for psychopathology in adulthood. Specifically, experiencing a higher number of ACEs and more complex patterns of ACEs may increase an individual’s risk for an adult anxiety disorder. Being aware of the relationship between sex differences in ACEs and adult anxiety disorders prompts changes for clinical psychologists and clinical researchers. For example, clinicians can use the 10-question ACE Assessment to determine if patients’ ACE history increases their risk for psychopathology. After this, clinics can explore whether different anxiety treatments for males and females would be more effective than the same treatment for both sexes. Clinical researchers are encouraged to examine the role of childhood variables on sex differences in the rates of anxiety disorders in adulthood. Researchers, clinicians, and educators can collaborate to develop interventions focusing on sex and ACEs to reduce children’s risk for psychopathology.