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Screens for early-life adversity linked to long-term health and mental health outcomes.
This is the ACE-10 questionnaire from the landmark 1998 CDC-Kaiser Permanente study — a lifetime tally of adverse experiences before age 18, not a measure of how you feel today. In a few minutes you'll get a single adversity score that decades of research have linked to adult physical and mental health outcomes.
Clinical screening — not a diagnosis. Answer based on the past two weeks unless stated otherwise.
The ACE-10 asks about categories of childhood adversity — abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction like divorce, addiction, or domestic violence — experienced before your 18th birthday. It comes from Felitti and colleagues' 1998 ACE Study of over 17,000 adults, which found that higher ACE scores correlate with higher rates of adult depression, heart disease, and substance use. It's meant for anyone curious about how their early environment may connect to their health today, not as a measure of blame.
Research background. The ACE study (Felitti et al., 1998) established strong associations between childhood adversity and adult health outcomes. Learn more from the NIMH or APA.
Educational use only. This assessment on Ask.Dr is for self-reflection and learning — not a medical diagnosis, treatment plan, or emergency service. If you are in crisis, contact local emergency services or, in the US, call or text 988. Explore more tools on the tests hub or read articles on the blog.