How Providers Can Help Manage Trauma

  • February 21, 2019

    The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente reported that children who experience childhood trauma, or Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs), before age 18 have a greater chance of developing physical and behavioral health problems later.

    ACEs include abuse, neglect, and in-home stressors like violence, substance abuse, divorce, or a family member going to jail. Some ACEs-related health risks include:

    • Anxiety and depression
    • Diabetes
    • Heart disease
    • Liver disease
    • Shorter life span
    • Substance abuse

    “Early intervention through education and referral is key to preventing ACEs and their resulting problems,” said Neil Kaneshiro, MD, pediatrician at Woodinville Pediatrics and medical director of Medical Policy at Premera. “Raising children is hard work but it’s critically important to break cycles of health problems, violence, and poverty that affect some families.”

    Here are Dr. Kaneshiro’s tips for how providers can help:

    1. Providers need to be aware of the impact of trauma on children and educate families about that. Start with the CDC’s website about ACEs.
    2. Screen for behavioral difficulties in the child, and for intimate partner violence for adults.
    3. Refer for behavioral health treatment/resources whenever appropriate, including Premera’s Personal Health Support Services, 888-742-1479.

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