PTSD, Attachment and Adoption Related Dynamics

“Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that can develop after experiencing a very traumatic or life-threatening event. Feeling physically threatened or witnessing violence, even if you were not physically injured, can lead to PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder can be terrifying and even disabling for some people. It can cause flashbacks, sleep problems and nightmares, feelings of isolation, guilt, paranoia, and sometimes panic attacks.”

 A helpless infant in a neglectful, and possibly abusive orphanage is at a high risk for developing PTSD.  This type of chronic or complex PTSD usually doesn’t go away with time and love.  The trauma that was “stuffed” down and buried needs to be reprocessed and the negative ideas and values changed.   PTSD can also interfere with the child’s attachment to the new family.  They may have difficulty with trust and letting their hearts be vulnerable to new love.

 This doesn’t mean that all children adopted from orphanages develop PTSD or attachment problems.  There are many individual factors such as personality, quality of care and age at adoption that affect the child.  There are children who have left orphanages or foster care, joined adoptive families and seem to have no difficulties.  There are also many children who had some mild challenges adapting to their new environment.  Parents who are very patient and provided lots of reassurance, love and structure can help these children adjust.  Over time these children began to thrive.  Still other families, like perhaps yours, regardless of the attention, time and patients that you have render, need the assistance of a professional residential program to help the child overcome their rough start in life.  Journey’s Quest can provide a structure residential and academic setting and therapeutic resources for your child. Our goal is to address the many issues related to PTSD, the anxiety related dynamics and provide help in the many facets that such children and parents need. We can provide encouragement, and instill hope for these children.  We desire to create a wonderful vision for their futures and help them and you as the parent, the skills to help them grow, blossom and thrive. Check out our center and see if we are a right fit for you.

Posted on February 3rd, 2012 by admin
Filed under: PTSD