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I am planning on starting the adoption process and have one concern. I do have a diagnosis of mild mood disorder/bi polar disease. I have always had very subtle symptoms..depression and anxiety. I am a licenced Healthcare Professional and have never had any issues or concerns regarding my license over 20 years. In fact, I have been very successful in my career. I am on medication and have been for many years. This medication has controlled my depression well and I occasionally take something for anxiety. I nevef had any outward symptoms that others were aware of, but I do feel better since starting medication years ago. I know the home study process is very thorough as ir should be. Will my psychiatric diagnosis prevent me from quailifying?
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That just depends on where you are adopting from.
If you are adopting from a developed country like the United States, one with a good medical system and understanding of mental health issues and their care - then your diagnosis medications will not present much of an issue at all. You'll probably just be asked to get a letter from the doctor who oversees your medications, stating that your diagnosis and current symptoms would not prevent you from parenting well.
However, if you are planning to adopt from a different country, then your experience will vary. Some countries have issued blanket refusals against any potential parent with mental health issues, even common ones like depression. And others go on a case-by-case basis, depending on the actual diagnosis, how long the person has been in treatment, letters of reference, any other issues that the country thinks make them a better or worse candidate for adoption, etc.
Definately do your research before paying any money. Call agencies you are thinking about using, and ask them exactly what you asked here. Disclose the mental health issues early in your homestudy process, so you can get any letters you need in a timely fashion. And don't get thrown if you have a few hiccups in your process. (But again, if you're adopting from the USA, you will likely experience none of that.)
Hope that helps!
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I would expect even adopting in the US that you will need additional documentation about the stability of your condition and as Diane said, that it won't affect your ability to parent.It's not uncommon for the SW to request a letter from the mental health professional that is treating your condition even in domestic infant adoption. But again, it still depends on where you live.And I'll echo the statement that well controlled, stable with minor symptoms that won't affect your ability to raise a child, shouldn't cause you any significant issues adopting in the US. You may have a hoop or two to jump through, but it won't be major and shouldn't be a denial either.
Hi there:
Thank you for this post. I also have a history of mental illness and take medication. I have no real syptoms at this point, but have been hospitalized in the past, over 10 years ago. We are just starting our home study now and this is coming up, I was feeling very anxious about it but I am very appreciative of the feedback that I got on the site. We are pursing domestic, older-child adoption.