Can a high ACE score be “fixed”?

ACE reflects history, not destiny. Many people with higher scores thrive with appropriate support, therapy, and stable relationships.

Is the ACE questionnaire a diagnosis?

No. It is a screening and reflection tool only.

Should I take ACE and PCL-5 together?

They measure different things — childhood adversity versus current trauma symptoms. Both can inform a conversation with a professional.

ACE Childhood Trauma Test — Online Screening

The ACE questionnaire screens for ten categories of adverse experiences before age 18. It can help you reflect on early adversity that may be worth discussing with a professional — it does not diagnose any condition.

Last reviewed 27 August 2026

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Medical emergency — 144 (Switzerland)

At a glance

10 questions; ~3 minutes; 0–10 (yes/no per item)
Validated: Felitti et al. / CDC-Kaiser ACE Study (1998)

What the ACE measures

The ACE covers abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction before age 18 — including emotional and physical harm, sexual abuse, substance use in the home, mental illness, domestic violence, and separation of parents.

Who should take this screening

Consider the ACE if you wonder whether difficult childhood experiences still affect your wellbeing, relationships, or health behaviours today. Content may be triggering — only proceed when you feel safe to do so.

How ACE scoring works

Each “yes” counts as one point (0–10). Higher scores are associated with greater research-documented health risk in population studies — they do not predict your individual outcome or diagnose illness.

0No reported ACE categories — still seek support if you struggle

1–3Some adversity reported — may be worth discussing with a professional if it affects you today

4+Higher exposure in research cohorts — often a prompt for trauma-informed support, not a label

Ready to take the ACE screening?

Start with a clinically validated, confidential assessment. No waiting list, no appointment needed — just clarity, and a report your GP can act on today.

Evidence-based toolsImmediate resultsNo credit card required

What happens after you complete the screening

You receive a total score and confidential storage. Results can help frame conversations with trauma-informed professionals — they are not a diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions

Your score counts how many ACE categories you experienced before 18. In population research, higher scores correlate with greater health risk — but they do not define your future or diagnose a disorder.

Clinical sources

Felitti VJ, Anda RF, Nordenberg D, et al. Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults. Am J Prev Med. 1998;14(4):245-258.

ACE questionnaire adapted from the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study.

Important information

Childhood trauma content may be distressing. This screening is informational only.

Data handled under Swiss nDSG/FADP. See our Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy.

Medical Disclaimer

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