INTRODUCTION: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) increase the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood and contribute to neurobehavioral challenges during childhood and adolescence.
METHOD: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 102 pediatric patients to describe interventions for children screening positive for ACEs in a pediatric primary care setting with integrated behavioral health services. It further assessed whether these interventions led to improvements in psychosocial functioning and mood.
RESULTS: Immediate responses to positive ACE screenings included psychoeducation, crisis interventions, mental health referrals, and case management. Follow-up interventions involved skills training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior management, motivation-based interventions, and symptom surveillance. Significant decreases in psychosocial problems and adolescent depression were observed.
DISCUSSION: Integrated behavioral health interventions in pediatric primary care improved psychosocial functioning and mood in children with positive ACE screenings. These findings offer valuable insights for nurse practitioners implementing effective ACE screening and intervention programs in primary care.
