[Theminesweeper]

hello. we're very interested in adopting from china and are wondering how they would find out if a prospective parent is currently taking anti-depressants. i went on them last year after a bout with postpartum and although i am feeling so much better, i would prefer to not go off of them yet. does my doc have to fill out a health form? what if he/she is not the doc prescribing the med? then they would never know, correct? or do you have to complete some sort of physical with blood tests, etc?

thanks! i hate to be so dishonest but it's a tad bit ridiculous to me.

[jbzanie]

You have to have a medical exam including blood work- one of the questions asked on the form is prescription drugs you take.

[LockStock]

Originally Posted by Theminesweeper

hello. we're very interested in adopting from china and are wondering how they would find out if a prospective parent is currently taking anti-depressants. i went on them last year after a bout with postpartum and although i am feeling so much better, i would prefer to not go off of them yet. does my doc have to fill out a health form? what if he/she is not the doc prescribing the med? then they would never know, correct? or do you have to complete some sort of physical with blood tests, etc?

thanks! i hate to be so dishonest but it's a tad bit ridiculous to me.

Don't be dishonest. Just don't. It will end up just being a waste of your time. When you've selected your adoption agency (or when you're talking to prospective agencies), discuss your situation with them. I have not pursued adoption from China, but I've heard they are extraordinarily strict. Your medication may disqualify you, but lying about it and having them find out will certainly end the process.

[jessibird]

Many have said that this is one issue China will not budge on. They see anti-depressents much different than we do. Our medical forms has to list meds and surgeries we have taken in the past and present.

[AfterV]

I have not adopted from China but I did find this when I was looking.

"Severe mental disorders requiring medication for more than two years, including depression, mania, or anxiety neurosis;"

Country Specific Information for china.htm

Wouldn't this mean you can take the meds as long as it hasn't been for more than two years?

[sak9645]

No, it means that it must be at least two years since you STOPPED taking medication.

Sharon

[WantingMoreKids]

What if you are applying for a waiting child program? Are they still just as strict on anti-depressants?

Thanks!

Jess

[Trace7]

Originally Posted by WantingMoreKids

What if you are applying for a waiting child program? Are they still just as strict on anti-depressants?

Thanks!

Jess

Yes, the rules are the same for the waiting child program, too. I think the waiting child program has some leeway as far as parent's age (on the higher end), but not always. However, the anti-depressants rule is not one they ever budge on.

[Dickons]

Secrets and lies are no way to start or complete an adoption of a child. Rules are there for a reason and all countries have the right to make their own rules and no one should try to circumvent the rules.

Kind regards,
Dickons

[sak9645]

You need to disclose medications you are taking, both for the homestudy and for the foreign country's dossier.

When you fill out paperwork for the U.S. government, either for your I-600A now or for your child's visa later, you are technically in violation of federal law if you lie. Your homestudy report is part of the information that you provide.

Likewise, your homestudy report goes to your state. If your state finds that you have lied in giving information for it, it can rescind your agency's homestudy approval and make it impossible for you to adopt.

Now, do some parents lie? Possibly. Or at least, if they don't lie outright, they find a way not to mention something, for example, by going to a new doctor. It's a bad idea. If you are caught by the U.S. or state government, you will not be able to adopt, and you will possibly face legal penalties. And if you are caught by the foreign government, you could jeopardize not only your own adoption, but also the adoptions of hundreds of other children in need of homes.

Sharon