[grtmom]

I was just wondering - has anyone had any problems with adoption from Guetemela due to taking antidepressants? I am a professional nurse holding a fulltime job however, both my husband and I are both on antidepressant meds. We have just experienced a lot of stress. Do you think they look at this as being a negative? Also, my home study agency suggested I not tell the truth about my childhood abuse because we would never get a child. I don't believe in being dishonest. Any suggestions? I think I'm a better and more loving parent because of my experiences. Thanks so much. You can epal me at grtmom

[tsawyer]

The med issue is something that should be addressed at the homestudy level. It might require a letter from the prescribing doctor stating that the drugs are for maintenance of a condition that is under control. They will probably have to state that it will not affect your parenting skills, etc.

I'd ask your homestudy agency about it. It seems from you other comment that they are more than willing to work through/overlook certain issues.

Tom

[Steffie]

I know someone who had this same issue. I believe that the social worker looked into the issue during the homestudy and got an okay from the Dr. But no mention of her past depression and medication was put in the homestudy that went to Guatemala.

[tandc999]

I am on celexa for anxiety/panic and nothing was said about the condition being negative. It shows that I have it for maintence only in my homestudy report. I also have a letter from the prescribing dr jsut incase pgn asks for it...good luck

[becky]

Depending on the severity of the condition that is requiring medication, you may also be asked to have a psychological exam done. (MMPI 2 is a common one done for this type of thing). The exam and a letter from your prescribing doctor or therapist stating that your condition and the medication will not affect your ability to parent should be sufficient.

I do not believe you should lie about your past, but your home study provider can certainly word your home study in a way that put the events in the best light...say that you had a difficult upbringing, but that you have learned from that and have sought counseling to overcome it and have taken courses to prepare to be a parent, etc.

Good Luck to you.

[Bassette]

I'm confused as to who the SW wants you to lie to,...she is the one that you would provide that info to in order to receive an approved homestudy.

I was honest about everything with our homestufy social worker. If you lie to him/her you are asking to be denied. I am also a child of abuse and discussed it with our SW. She mentioned things in my homestudy report that she submitted for the I171H but had a different version for Guatemala. In that report she didn't mention abuse or the fact that we had pets.

[ExcitedMomtoBe]

Our doctor wrote in her letter that I was on mild anti-depressants that were in her mind "situational" and related to our infertility. She said something along the lines of thinking it showed great strength/ability to parent that I knew when to seek outside help. Other than that first letter, it's never come up since and in fact - I've been off any meds altogether ever since we accepted our referral... and doing great! Hope this helps.

[jnancynancy]

I was very upfront about being on Lexapro for the last year due to PMS related anxiety. It was written in my homestudy, but was never a huge issue with my SW. My doctor wrote of it in my letter from her so it is clearly in my homestudy and dossier. I told my SW how much better I am with the meds and she seemed glad I took the time to get some help.

On the other issue...I too would be concerned about anyone who tells you to be anything but upfront and honest.

Nancy

[marie2005]

I was open with homestudy agency about it. They didn't include it in the homestudy. And the medical letter for Guatemala basically just says you are in good health and capable of parenting.I don't know if it's an issue in Guatemala. I was told by my placement agency that for some reason, they could make a big deal out of taking anti-depressants.

[jnancynancy]

In our case the fact that I take anti depressants is in the dossier because the homestudy is included in the dossier.
I'm sure each agency has had different experiences, but ours never made mention of this medication being a problem for us.

Good luck and I hope you have a speedy process!
Nancy