Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Adoption

Like other psychological disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with the loss of a child to adoption. You are probably used to hearing about PTSD in war veterans who experience nightmares, flash-backs, panic attacks, psychosomatic aches and pains, and other difficulties. The same symptoms have been statistically proven in an overwhelming majority of surrendering mothers.

Many mothers do not immediately connect their problems with the surrender of their children, and it can be a challenge for them to find therapists who are capable of dealing with trauma inflicted by the loss of a child to adoption. If you are an exiled mother, you may not be able to find a therapist who has experience working with adoption survivors. You can, however, make an effort to locate a therapist who specializes in grief counseling, early separation of mothers and children, and related fields. In addition, it is especially important to find a therapist who is neutral; someone who has adopted a child is likely going to be a bad choice as she has a personal interest in viewing adoption positively. You have every right to interview a prospective counselor to make sure that he or she seems like a good fit for your situation.