View the Adoption Stress Video Complete with Power Point Presentation Slides at Adoption Doctors: adoption stress video
What symptoms suggest that an adoptive child has been exposed to a significant traumatic event?
Many adoptive children have, unfortunately, faced traumatic events. Having an understanding of the symptoms suggestive of traumatic exposure can aid in identifying children who may be experiencing traumatic stress reactions. Ultimately, by identifying symptoms early, we can keep adoptive children functioning and mitigate long-term emotional suffering.
Is Adoption Stress the same thing as Post-Adoption Depression?
The term “Post-Adoption Depression” has been used to explain the feelings of sadness that are experienced by many adoptive parents subsequent to the adoptive process. Unlike postpartum depression, which may be caused by significant physiological and hormonal changes (e.g., a sudden decrease in estrogen and progesterone in the bloodstream), Post-Adoption Depression cannot. Post-Adoption Depression focuses on the feelings of sadness that are experienced after the attainment of a long-term goal that has required time, money, effort, emotional strain and patience.
Impact of Traumatic Stress on Adoptive Parents
As I have indicated previously, a significant number of adoptive children have been exposed to traumatic events including, but not limited to, neglect, physical and sexual abuse and various degrees of abandonment. I have emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing traumatic stress early—potentially preventing acute stress reactions from becoming chronic stress disorders.
What is post-traumatic stress and how does it manifest in the young institutionalized child?
Unfortunately, a significant number of young institutionalized children are exposed to traumatic events. These include, but are certainly not limited to, neglect, physical and sexual abuse and various degrees of abandonment. By having an understanding of traumatic stress and how it impacts young children, we can identify posttraumatic stress reactions and address the unique emotional and behavioral needs of these children.
Adoption Stress and International Adoption
Unfortunately, far too many adoptive children have faced traumatic events including, but not limited to, neglect, physical and sexual abuse and various degrees of abandonment. In recent months, I have accompanied Dr. George Rogu on a speaking tour with AdoptionDoctors.com. As the “Adoption Psychologist,” I regularly explain to adoptive parents that by having an understanding of the symptoms suggestive of traumatic exposure, we can identify children who may be experiencing traumatic stress reactions. Ultimately, by identifying symptoms early, we can address emotional, social, behavioral and educational needs. As I often say to parents, we certainly don’t wait to address physical trauma. And, in the same way, we must not wait to address traumatic stress.