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Childhood Adversity Predicts Combined Physical and Mental Illness in Later Life

Researchers analyzing data from over 4,000 Chinese adults aged 45 and older found that cumulative childhood adversity markedly increases the likelihood of developing both depression and chronic physical disease later in life. Participants reporting four or more adverse childhood experiences faced a 56% higher risk of such multimorbidity, while even one to three traumas raised risk by 20% compared with trauma‑free peers. The effect was especially pronounced among women, and early onset depression often preceded physical illness. The authors call for routine trauma screening in geriatric care to intervene before health declines.