Adverse Childhood Experiences: Epigenetics, Impacts, and Accounting for Toxic Stress During Early Development

Jasleen Chhatwal, MD

Toxic stress during childhood can harm the most basic levels of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, and such exposures can even alter the physical structure of DNA (epigenetic effects). Childhood maltreatment has been linked to a variety of changes in brain structure and function and stress-responsive neurobiological systems with negative downstream impacts on health, emotional well-being and longevity. In this presentation, we will explore the mechanisms by which adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) exert their negative impacts. In understanding the effects on brain, body, and behavior, we will then look to solutions that can move us in the direction of improved health outcomes.

Objectives:

Jasleen Chhatwal, MBBS, MD, FAPA,

Chief Medical Officer, Sierra Tucson

Jasleen Chhatwal, MD, is Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Mood Disorders Program at Sierra Tucson, a premier residential behavioral health treatment center. A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Chhatwal serves as Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and as President of the Arizona Psychiatric Society. She is trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, psychopharmacology, neuromodulation including ECT & rTMS, and various emerging modalities. She further completed fellowship training in Integrative Medicine from the renowned Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine.

Dr. Chhatwal’s treatment philosophy includes intervening early, providing holistic, culturally competent, gender-affirming and evidence-based care.

Proudly Sponsored by:

John Davis, President