Abstract
The CDC/Kaiser Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study documented that ACEs predict adult health and self-harming behaviors. ACEs have been documented in physicians and are higher in physicians treated for problematic behavior. Plastic surgeons have never been assayed. Might ACE prevalences in plastic surgeons predict their adult health and/or behavior? 252 ABPS-certified plastic surgeons (72% men, 28% women, ) completed the 10-question CDC/Kaiser ACE survey by de-identified email. Data was collected on adult health and behaviors previously associated with ACEs in the literature. 42% of plastic surgeons had 1 or more ACEs; 9.9% had 4 or more. Emotional abuse was 2 times higher than the control CDC/Kaiser population, though other ACEs were lower. Gender differences existed: women suffered more sexual abuse (17% vs. 8%), physical neglect (7% vs. 1%), violence against their mothers (7% vs. 2%), and self-defined burnout (32% vs. 17%). ACEs occurred in clusters. Total ACEs predicted autoimmune disorders, chronic pain/fatigue, self-defined depression, irritable bowel, antidepressant/anxiolytic use, alcohol abuse, >3 marriages, >10 sexual partners, sex and work addiction, eating disorders, and self-defined burnout (all p< 0.020). Emotional abuse predicted alcohol abuse. Sexual abuse predicted sex addiction. Emotional neglect predicted autoimmune disease, antidepressant/anxiolytic use, eating disorder, and work addiction. Physical neglect predicted chronic fatigue/chronic pain, depression, and burnout (all p< 0.001 or less). Adverse childhood experiences occurred in 42% of our 252-member plastic surgeon cohort and predicted 13 adult illnesses and self-harming behaviors that can impair surgeons' lives and performances. Recognition may facilitate their recognition and treatment.
Published Version
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