Mental Health Effects of Adoption: Challenges Faced by Adoptees

Adoption, often perceived as an act of love and generosity, can also have significant mental health implications for adoptees. Being separated from biological parents and placed in a new family can result in lasting emotional and psychological consequences.

Understanding the Increased Risk:

• In the United States, there are an estimated 140,000 annual adoptions and a total of 7 million adoptees.
• Adoptees are more prone to mental health issues due to the initial trauma of separation and possible genetic predispositions.

Common Mental Health Effects:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

Unique Struggles of Adoptees:

• Disenfranchised Grief:

  • Societal undervaluation of the loss of biological parents leads to suppressed grief.
  • Adoptees may struggle to acknowledge their loss due to messages like "you should be grateful" or "you were adopted into a good family."

• Hypervigilance:

  • Heightened state of alertness and sensitivity to danger.
  • Result of early separation and increased cortisol levels.

• Trust Issues:

  • Difficulty forming trusting relationships due to experiences of loss.
  • Constant worry about who will stick around.

• Identity Formation:

  • Struggle to understand who they are, especially in transracial adoptions.
  • Feeling disconnected from both biological and adoptive families.

• Childhood Grief:

  • Younger adoptees may have a literal understanding of adoption.
  • Grief may manifest differently, such as acting out or misbehavior.

Increased Suicide Risk:

• Adoptees are four times more likely to attempt suicide.
• Possible causes include early trauma, attachment issues, history of institutional care, and genetic susceptibility.

Finding Support:

• Adoption-focused therapists can provide specialized care.
• Support groups offer a sense of community and understanding.

Seeking Professional Help:

• Consider therapy if adoption-related issues are affecting your life.
• Look for therapists experienced in adoption, foster care, and attachment.
• Online therapy directories and lists of adoption-experienced therapists are available.

Remember:

You are not alone. There are resources and support available to help you navigate the mental health effects of being adopted. Seek professional help if you need guidance and support.