[Fiecbry]

Hi,

I have bipolar 2 disorder which is why I don't want to have my own children (medical risks and desire to ensure I don't pass it on to my own children).

I take daily medication and have been entirely stable for years and am healthy otherwise. I also have a step-son who I have successfully parented on and off for 7 years so personally I have no doubts as to my capacity to parent.

I feel confident that my doctor would recommend me as an adoptive mother but am concerned because of the stigma that exists around this disease.

Does anybody know if mental illness is an obstacle to domestic adoption and how do they check your medical history?

Thanks so much!

[bajj]

I think it depends on the agency and the sw doing your homestudy.

I would think if you can prove that you are (1) continuing successful treatments and (2) have a huge support system should your meds need to be changed then you shouldn't have a problem, but I am not sure.

I also think you should let this be known to first parents who are considering you (if you are considering open adoption, or semi-open, where the expectant mom chooses the family to adopt her child). This is something that might deter some, but others will see it as a strength. The fact that you are honest about it, open about it, and have successful treatment.

Good luck!

[Fiecbry]

Thank you:-)

[ShortSunflower]

I too am bipolar and have talked with my facilitator about this. She spoke with several social workers who had dealt with this issue before and they all said it was not an issue. The facilitator suggested interviewing social workers/agencies about it before deciding who would do our homestudy because a SW having an understanding of the disease and that it is completely treatable is crucial. Good luck to you!

[waitingforanangel]

I believe that the agencies are looking at you as a whole person, and not as "bipolar." If an agency does, you don't want to go with them anyway. For the homestudy, I'm sure your Social Worker will discuss how being bipolar has affected your life and this will be in the report, but it should not reflect negatively on you since you are a responsible person and a productive member of society.

I do not believe that this will affect your ability to adopt at all. It will be documented, as any other medical issue is, and that should be it.

I wish you the best of luck on your journey!

Cathy