{"id":80648,"date":"2022-09-29T07:37:31","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T07:37:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=80648"},"modified":"2022-09-29T07:38:06","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T07:38:06","slug":"post-adoption-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/post-adoption-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"Post-Adoption Depression: Everything You Need To Know About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-80652\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/New-Project-2022-09-29T130241.229.jpg\" alt=\"Mother holding baby while sitting \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we think about mental health problems among new mothers, postpartum depression probably comes to mind.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While this is a common condition, it&rsquo;s also important to be aware of post adoption depression, which can also contribute to poor <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/mental-health\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mental health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Learn about signs, symptoms, and causes of depression after adoption below.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-post-adoption-depression\"><\/span><b>What is post adoption depression?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As its name suggests, <\/span><b>post adoption depression refers to depression symptoms that occur post adoption. Just as new mothers can experience depression after giving birth, it is possible to experience depression after adoption.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Nidhi-Choudhury\/publication\/354792513_Depression_and_Experiences_of_Prospective_Adoptive_Parents\/links\/614cc5603c6cb310698b3722\/Depression-and-Experiences-of-Prospective-Adoptive-Parents.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with post adoption depression syndrome shows that this condition is similar to postpartum depression that occurs among biological parents. Depression after adoption can affect both mothers and fathers, who may experience depression symptoms after bringing home a new baby.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn more about post adoption depression here:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S7CCWz-1UAk\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs-of-post-adoption-depression\"><\/span><b>Signs of post adoption depression&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The signs of post adoption depression are similar to what is seen among parents with postpartum depression. These signs include:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Significant changes in appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experiencing little interest in activities you used to enjoy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep disturbances<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Struggling to concentrate or make decisions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sadness or excessive crying<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Significant anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid mood swings, which may involve anger or irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling worthless, or as if you are not a good parent<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being fearful of being alone with the baby<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having thoughts of harming yourself or the baby<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/mental-health\/ways-to-deal-with-depression-in-relationship\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Deal With Depression in a Relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes-of-post-adoption-depression\"><\/span><b>Causes of post adoption depression<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-80651\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/New-Project-2022-09-29T130259.190.jpg\" alt=\"Woman is yelling on her child \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes people are surprised to learn that the answer to, &ldquo;Can you get postpartum depression after adoption?&rdquo; is actually a resounding, &ldquo;Yes!&rdquo; After all, adoptive mothers have not experienced the changes to their bodies, or the dip in hormones, that occur after giving birth to the baby.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, an adoptive father has not experienced the distress that can come with changes to his partner&rsquo;s physical and emotional functioning during pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, what causes adoption depression? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0190740917309052?casa_token=AHmpk3qpmroAAAAA:HRo7U8Ecld9KL2vOI65dNjcsSD2c8mOJcZa-WLNNXfferLgF62wCUGKFa4tpdmLujpD-r4cqCqc\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have suggested the following causes:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Unmet expectations<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Families who have made the decision to adopt a baby may expect that the experience will be nothing but joyous. Perhaps they have chosen adoption because of infertility, and they feel that adopting a baby will help them to overcome their grief associated with being unable to conceive.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the new baby comes to the home, and the family experiences the stress associated with the demands of a newborn, they may feel as if they have been let down.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They expected the adoption process to be positive, but when the reality of caring for a baby sets in, they can feel as if adopting did not meet their expectations. Ultimately, this leads to feelings of sadness.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, unmet expectations may be related to having an adoptive child who has special needs and requires intensive care, especially if parents did not know they were going to be adopting a child with special needs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a child who requires around-the-clock medical care or expensive healthcare services can increase the demands of parenting and lead to feelings of overwhelm.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/relationship-expectations\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 Relationship Expectations That Are Harmful for Couples<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>2. Poor bonding<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some parents may feel that they are not bonding appropriately with their new baby. This can lead to feelings of guilt or worthlessness, as parents may feel as if they are supposed to be overwhelmed with joy and experience an immediate connection with the new baby.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Lack of support<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a mother gives birth to a baby, the family is often surrounded with support. Neighbors and friends bring meals to the house, extended family offer to assist with childcare and housekeeping duties, and the mother is given time to allow her body to heal from childbirth.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post adoption, families may not receive the same level of care and support, which makes them more prone to feeling overwhelmed and developing postpartum depression after adoption.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/steps-to-becoming-a-supportive-partner\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20 Steps to Becoming a Supportive Partner<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>4. Life changes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even when adoptive parents are excited to have a baby placed in their home, they can become overwhelmed with the life changes that come along with a newborn baby.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once a baby is in the home, parents must provide around-the-clock care, and even the best of parents may be unprepared for this change. Some parents may struggle to adjust to their loss of freedom and the extreme demands of having a newborn at home.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Perception of others<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perceptions of others and society as a whole have been cited as a reason for post adoption depression.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People may not view adoptive parents in the same light as biological parents. Some people may hold stigmatized views surrounding adoptive families, which can lead to symptoms of depression or adoption trauma symptoms.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, even extended family members, who could be a source of support, may view the adoption negatively. Perhaps they are critical of the adoptive parents for not having a biological child. In the case of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/parenting\/the-5-challenges-and-solutions-of-being-a-single-parent\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">single parent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or LGBTQ families, perceptions of others may be even more negative.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms-of-post-adoption-depression\"><\/span><b>Symptoms of post-adoption depression<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-80650\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/New-Project-2022-09-29T130328.774.jpg\" alt=\"Young woman crying on sofa\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-adoption depression is diagnosed using symptoms in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This manual defines symptoms of a depressive episode, which are the same as the symptoms of post adoption depression syndrome, as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depressed mood<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of interest in usual activities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thoughts of death or suicide<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unintentional weight loss or weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change in motor activity (either reduced activity or agitated activity, such as restless pacing)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feelings of worthlessness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extreme guilt<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extreme fatigue or low energy&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty making decisions or concentrating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep changes, such as sleeping too much or too little&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To meet the criteria for depression, a person must show symptoms every day, for most of the day, for at least two weeks.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treating-post-adoption-depression\"><\/span><b>Treating post-adoption depression<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re experiencing post adoption depression or are having a hard time coping with the emotional effects of adoption, it is beneficial to reach out for help.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional interventions and supportive services can help you to overcome feelings of sadness or grief so that you can fully enjoy the experience of welcoming a child into your home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are some services that can be beneficial for addressing post adoption depression.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Support groups<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attending a support group connects you to others who are experiencing the same challenges.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In adoption support group meetings, you can learn strategies that others are using to cope with post adoption depression, and receive friendship from those who understand your struggles and listen to you without passing judgment.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/mental-health\/depression-and-its-impact-on-marriages\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression and Its Impact on Marriages<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>2. Counseling<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You and your partner may <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/counseling\/what-is-counseling\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benefit from seeking counseling<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help you cope with adoption depression. In counseling sessions you can explore your emotions and learn strategies for coping more effectively with the psychological effects of adoption.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your marriage or relationship has been negatively affected by depression after adoption, you can gain skills for managing conflict and rebuilding your intimacy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Medication<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If depression symptoms are lasting and do not subside with other treatments, like counseling and support groups, you may benefit from seeing a doctor to determine if antidepressant medications are an option for you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These medications can correct physiological causes of depression and may alleviate some of your symptoms.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Post-adoption-depression-facts\"><\/span><b>Post-adoption depression facts<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-80649\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/New-Project-2022-09-29T130409.758.jpg\" alt=\"Mother is suffering from depression while child is sleeping \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re looking for information about depression after adoption, the answers to the following questions may also be helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>A. Can you adopt if you have depression?&nbsp;<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a mental health condition like depression does not automatically disqualify you from adopting. An adoption agency will conduct an assessment to determine if you are physically, mentally, and financially capable of parenting a child.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have depression or another mental health condition, it is important that you are able to verify that you are receiving treatment and that your condition does not prevent you from safely caring for a child.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression could prevent you from adopting if you are not receiving treatment and your symptoms make it difficult for you to complete daily tasks, such as working, paying bills, caring for yourself, and maintaining a household.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>B. How common is post adoption depression?&nbsp;<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research suggests that the prevalence of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0190740917309052?casa_token=AHmpk3qpmroAAAAA:HRo7U8Ecld9KL2vOI65dNjcsSD2c8mOJcZa-WLNNXfferLgF62wCUGKFa4tpdmLujpD-r4cqCqc\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">post adoption depression<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is quite high.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, researchers estimate that 18 to 26% of adoptive parents experience symptoms of depression after adoption. If you&rsquo;re feeling depressed after adoption, what you are experiencing is not out of the norm, and there is treatment and support available.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>C. Can fathers experience depression after adoption?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both mothers and fathers can experience adoption depression. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0884217516000915?casa_token=PfhA7hSR2K0AAAAA:SbvnP10VkWKuKWk90KJrYwJZ1s-C0cn5XGLTdQZdHxfmWvLNt2iOs62xVBqEXMnlaBebrykXJIU\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">suggest that the rate of post adoption depression in fathers ranges from 11 to 24%.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fathers can be just as impacted as mothers by the changes associated with having a new baby in the home. They may also struggle to adapt to the changes in the marriage after adoption.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Takeaway\"><\/span><b>Takeaway<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience depression symptoms after adoption, you are not alone, and there is no shame in reaching out for help. If your symptoms are persistent and begin to interfere with your ability to care for yourself or your baby, it is time to seek help.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visiting your doctor for an evaluation of your symptoms can be an important first step in treating adoption depression. Your doctor may prescribe medication and\/or refer you to a therapist for counseling.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With treatment, you can learn coping skills and overcome the psychological effects of adoption.&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we think about mental health problems among new mothers, postpartum depression probably comes to mind.&nbsp; While this is a common condition, it&rsquo;s also important to be aware of post adoption depression, which can also contribute to poor mental health. Learn about signs, symptoms, and causes of depression after adoption below.&nbsp; What is post adoption depression? As its name suggests, post adoption depression refers to depression symptoms that occur post adoption. Just as new mothers can experience depression after giving birth, it is possible to experience depression after adoption. Research with post adoption depression syndrome shows that this condition is <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1419,"featured_media":80652,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[93],"tags":[2716],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80648"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1419"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=80648"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80648\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":80653,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80648\/revisions\/80653"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/80652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=80648"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=80648"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=80648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}