Exposición a las experiencias adversas en la infancia y su relación con los trastornos mentales en la adultez.

Abstract

Introduction. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are vital situations that greatly influence the lives of individuals and have even shown repercussions in adulthood; several instances can establish this stage of development; these repercussions can be mental disorders that, according to the WHO, are determined by alterations at the cognitive, emotional, or behavioral level. Objective. To analyze the relationship between exposure to ACEs and their relationship with mental disorders in adulthood. Methodology. It was a literature review research with a qualitative approach and descriptive scope based on the PRISMA statement. The virtual library of the Catholic University of Cuenca was used through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Taylor & Francis. Results. Concerning the 21 articles analyzed, ACEs include early death of parents or caregivers, emotional and physical abuse, abandonment, child poverty, substance use at home, sexual abuse, parental separation or divorce, domestic violence, parental overprotection, insecure attachment, low economic level, and dysfunctional homes. The disorders developed are post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, substance use, abuse, and dependence. Conclusion. There is a relationship between ACEs and the development of mental disorders in adulthood, and it may be given by the presence of the symptomatology consequent to experiencing some ACEs since infants do not have sufficient skills or strategies to face these situations; therefore, these consequences extend into adulthood.