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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire for Adults

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A self-reported questionnaire that looks back at stressful or traumatic experiences during childhood and considers how they may affect a person's health and well-being as an adult.

Quick summary

Evaluates 10 types of childhood adversity including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction Higher ACE scores are linked to increased risks of physical and mental health conditions Results help healthcare providers understand your health risks and develop appropriate care plans

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
112441-1
Short code
ACE-ADULT
Synonyms
—
Category
cardiac
Sample
serum
Container
Not applicable - questionnaire format
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
10
Critical range
— – 1000 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 18 years
Method
ace-questionnaire-for-adults
CPT
96156
SNOMED
40930008
Specimen volume
Not applicable - no specimen required
Stability
Not applicable - not a laboratory test
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire for Adults is a screening tool designed to identify childhood trauma experienced before age 18. It asks about various stressful or traumatic events that occurred during childhood, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction such as parental separation, mental illness, or substance abuse in the family.

How is the test performed?

This is a self-administered questionnaire that you complete on your own. There are typically 10 questions, each focusing on a different type of adverse childhood experience. You will be asked to answer yes or no to each question based on your experiences before age 18. The total number of 'yes' answers becomes your ACE score.

Why might this test be ordered?

Healthcare providers may use the ACE questionnaire to better understand your complete health history. Research has shown that childhood trauma can significantly impact physical and mental health in adulthood. Knowing your ACE score helps providers offer more comprehensive, trauma-informed care and identify potential health risks early.

Reference range

Score range: 0-10; Higher scores indicate greater exposure to adverse childhood experiencesN/A

Specimen: serum

This is a self-reported questionnaire, not a blood test. Patient should answer questions honestly based on their childhood experiences. No fasting or special preparation required.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between ACE scores and various health outcomes. Higher ACE scores are associated with increased risk of chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, obesity), mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD), substance abuse, and premature death. Understanding your ACE score allows healthcare providers to implement preventive measures and tailor treatment approaches to address both physical and psychological aspects of health.

Frequently asked questions

Will my answers be kept confidential?
Yes, your responses are protected by patient privacy laws and will be kept confidential. This information becomes part of your secure medical record.
What happens after I complete the questionnaire?
Your healthcare provider will review your responses and discuss the results with you. They may recommend additional support, counseling, or specific health screenings based on your score and overall health profile.
Can my ACE score change over time?
No, your ACE score reflects events that occurred before age 18 and will not change. However, your health and wellbeing can improve with appropriate support, therapy, and lifestyle changes regardless of your score.
Does a high ACE score mean I will definitely develop health problems?
No, a high ACE score indicates increased risk, not certainty. Many people with high ACE scores live healthy lives, especially with proper support, strong social connections, and access to healthcare resources.
  1. 1
    CDC - Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)Source
  2. 2
    Kaiser Permanente - ACE StudySource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy