Want to predict a child's future health? First measure their stress, says researcher

We've all been told that stress is harmful to our health. But new evidence suggests that children who suffer stressful or traumatic events could suffer life-long consequences.

The events are known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), whichrange from parental separation to sexual abuse. Researchers have discovered that they're clear indictors of a child's future health outcomes.

The culprit is the stress hormonecortisol, which istoxic to a child, said JenniferMervyn, a psychologist and ACE consultant.

"The impacton the brain is significant," Mervynsaid during an interview onCBC'sThe Early Edition.

The study could have broader implications in B.C., which is grappling with an opioid overdose crisis.

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One study found that amale child with an ACE score of six is 46 times morelikely to become an injection drug user versus a male child who has an ACE score of zero.

The findings were presented this week in Surrey's health and technology district, which hosted a week-long event on advancements in brain research.

Listen to the full interview below.

Brains 'want to change'

Researchers have discovered that cortisol canhave a structural impact on a child's brain, Mervyn said.

Children who accumulate trauma tend to develop a larger amygdala, which is the brain's emotionalresponse centre.

The good news, Mervyn said,is that children's brains are malleable, meaning that damage inflicted by stress and traumacan be offset as a child matures into puberty.

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"[Brains] want to change, they want to heal," she said. "The capacity to do so when you're young is incredible."

Treatments for kids can be found through various therapies and caring relationships with adults, Mervyn said.

Parents, too, can learn techniques that help them cope with their own stress andsupport and nurture their child.

"It really comes down to creating an environment where that child has been removed from that toxic stress," Mervyn said.

Mervyn said thefindings also point to the need for greater investment in youth mental health and substance abuse programs.

With files from CBC's The Early Edition