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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cindylou on December 8, 2002, at 19:46:14
I am new to Psycho-Social Babble ... I visited the Psycho-Babble board frequently about a year ago.
I have a question that I'm hoping someone out there may have an answer for. My husband and I are considering adopting a baby from overseas. We are both on medication for depression (mine is mainly PMS-related.) My husband is on Zoloft and Adderall, I am on Lexapro and Klonapin.
Does anyone know if being treated for mental health issues would "disqualify" us for adopting?
I greatly appreciate any feedback!
Cindy
Posted by Cindylou on December 8, 2002, at 19:48:51
In reply to question about adoption, posted by Cindylou on December 8, 2002, at 19:46:14
P.S. I forgot to add that we already have a 3-year-old daughter of our own who is thriving. Just in case that could make a difference.
Posted by Ted on December 8, 2002, at 21:50:51
In reply to question about adoption, posted by Cindylou on December 8, 2002, at 19:46:14
Hi Cindy,
> Does anyone know if being treated for mental health issues would "disqualify" us for adopting?
I don't _know_ anything. But, I think the only consideration is for "crimes" already committed. I don't think you can be disqualified for medication. Also, overseas orphanages are usually all too happy to get homes for their children.
I wish you and your husband the best of luck. You are really doing a wonderful and selfless thing for humanity. I know three families with children adopted from overseas (one with twins from Russia, other two families with children from China) and they are great with their kids and their kids are wonderful as well. Everyone wins.
Ted
Posted by ShelliR on December 9, 2002, at 0:09:08
In reply to question about adoption, posted by Cindylou on December 8, 2002, at 19:46:14
I think if either part of a couple has a serious mental illness--one that could affect the health and well being of a child, that would not be ignored. In your case, I don't think you need worry. If you decide to persue overseas adoption, an agency here will help you fill out the paperwork. I'm sure they have a lot of experience with perspective parents on medication and know how to skirt around it, or present it in a way as to not jeopordize your chances of succeeding. Too many children need good homes.
I think it's great that you're considering it. I photograph kids and have photographed dozens of adopted children from all over the world; this month a child from Siberia and my first one so far from Vietnam. The little girl from Siberia is the younger sister of the couple's biological daughter and it seems to be working out very well. Children are so flexible.
Good luck,
Shelli
Posted by Cindylou on December 9, 2002, at 8:15:20
In reply to Re: question about adoption » Cindylou, posted by ShelliR on December 9, 2002, at 0:09:08
Thank you both so much for your support!! It really means a lot. I will keep you posted ...
cindy
Posted by judy1 on December 17, 2002, at 19:48:17
In reply to Re: question about adoption, Shelli, Ted, posted by Cindylou on December 9, 2002, at 8:15:20
Hi- I just saw this. I'm dxed with bipolar and panic and dissociative disorder and...., but I am very seriously considering international adoption (I also have 2 young children). My illness ebbs and flows, I have lots of support and love children. We are in the midst of a home study and if you need any info, please feel free to ask take care, judy
Posted by Kar on December 18, 2002, at 18:52:01
In reply to Re: question about adoption, Shelli, Ted » Cindylou, posted by judy1 on December 17, 2002, at 19:48:17
hey Judy- I'm jumping in here but we're considering international adoption too. I'm bp and haven't had a child yet...am really, really concerned about meds (can't get off 'em all- no way, no how) and passing depression on is a biggie too.
>home study and if you need any info,
What's a home study? I could give you my e-mail if you'd be willing to share anything...How did your other pregnancies go? Were you off meds? I've heard that the body can almost protect you while you're pregnant- like from allergies, depression, etc. Did you find that to be true? I'm worried about the pre and post pregnancy the most...Thanks for your post...good to hear that you have two already and were ok.
Take care,
Karen
Posted by judy1 on December 18, 2002, at 20:10:14
In reply to babies » judy1, posted by Kar on December 18, 2002, at 18:52:01
Hi,
just had a baby last year and went off depakote (stayed on benzos the first trimester) by the second my panic disorder was under control, got a little manicky- haldol (the older APs are pretty safe in pregnancy) and that worked in a few days. the biggie to watch for is post-partum depression, but take it as it goes. my kids are great, if any problems arise I'll deal with them then. My shrink was very supportive (I shopped through several) even with bipolar1/panic disorders- if you can try a university hospital, they have the latest treatments for people who want children and have bipolar. If you truly don't want to go through a pregnancy, (but I really do want to encourage you) then IA is a viable alternative. A home study usually involves a licensed SW who specializes in adoption- she comes to your home and interviews you, your spouse and kids, support people, etc. looks at your home environment, etc. I had letters saying my illness was in remission and like I said lots of support. Good luck!!! Judy
Posted by Kar on December 19, 2002, at 10:32:05
In reply to Re: babies » Kar, posted by judy1 on December 18, 2002, at 20:10:14
Posted by noa on December 24, 2002, at 21:06:48
In reply to Thanks for the Scoop, Judy! (nm), posted by Kar on December 19, 2002, at 10:32:05
Ditto. Keep us posted. I am beginning to think about my options for kids. I'm gettin old and I'm on a lot of serious meds. Don't even know if I could get pregnant at this point anyway, so adoption is going to be one possibility to explore. Just beginning to think about it--not anywhere near ready. Still unsure if I can deal with it as a single, anyway. But I like reading what other people are thinking about, learning, doing.
Posted by judy1 on December 24, 2002, at 23:49:36
In reply to Re: Thanks for the Scoop, Judy!, posted by noa on December 24, 2002, at 21:06:48
I think you would make a great Mom, Noa- I truly hope you decide to give a child a home. With IA, it doesn't matter about age or marital status, so it's a great option for a lot of people. Have you talked to your therapist about adopting? I truly feel that people with mental disorders have learned a great deal about patience and empathy- qualities that are so critical in parenting. I can be at my lowest, but once I have little arms around me saying 'I love you'- well it just works :-). have a great holiday- judy
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