Chronic mental health problems and use of mental health services among adults with and without adverse childhood experiences: a 6-year longitudinal population-based study

Background The negative effects of single and multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACE) on adult mental health are well-documented. However, little is known about the prevalence of chronic mental health problems (MHPs) and use of mental health services (MHSs) compared to adults without an ACE history. Aims Examine differences in the prevalence of chronic MHP and MHS use between adults without and with a single and multiple ACE history, and MHS use among ACE and no-ACE adults with chronic MHP. Method A 6-year longitudinal study was conducted based on a random sample of the Dutch adult population (n = 2427). Results Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that adults with a single (n = 280) and multiple ACE (n = 92) history suffered more often from chronic MHP such as chronic depressive and anxiety symptoms. Both ACE subgroups also made greater use of MHS than no-ACE adults (n = 2055). Multiple ACE compared to single ACE, increased the risk of MHP. However, among those with chronic MHP respondents with and without an ACE history did not differ in MHS use. Conclusions ACE history is strongly related to chronic MHP and persistent use of MHS. However, MHS use among those with chronic MHP is not related to an ACE history.