PTSD and Adoption Trauma

I have been reading a good deal literature of the theory regarding the aftereffects that adoption has on each member of the adoption triad, mainly adult adoptees. James (1989) describes trauma as "overwhelming, uncontrollable experiences that psychologically impact victims by creating feelings of helplessness, vulnerability, loss of safety, and loss of control.  Typically, the sources of trauma include: child abuse and/or neglect, or violence one witnesses in his/her environment. Less commonly understood as a source of trauma is that of the separation of an infant's natural mother.

Birth in itself is a traumatic experience for the newborn. However, I believe, the mother comforting HER baby after the labor/birth buffers the negative effects experienced later by the baby. What if mom was stripped away from that poor helpless baby... not able to provide that much needed comfort.... Instead, she is replaced with some other form surrogate comfort.

In PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), the person's response to the trauma is that of fear, helplessness, or horror (that was not present before the trauma). This is rather sketchy to determine with adoption trauma, since all newborns were most likely terrified after coming out of the birth canal, when in the womb, it felt safe. Therefore, I will focus more on the effects after the initial trauma.

It is after the traumatic event, where the parallels start to become more clear.  First, in PTSD the person re-experiences the traumatic event in one of several ways. (Please click this link for more information on the DSM-IV-TR (APA, 2004) criteria).  Ever since I have been learning more about my origins and adoption experiences, I have been waking up periodically in a sweat from nightmares. I do not remember the details of them, but my partner also tells me there have been nights where I have yelled out in my sleep. Freud would have a field day in the analysis of my dreams!  (Note: In children, there may be dreams without recognizable content.... regression?)

Secondly, the person AVOIDS situations or feelings associated with the trauma. Pretty much throughout my entire childhood and adolescence (and until this point in my life), I have been avoiding all reminders of being adopted. "She isn't my real mother. She just gave birth to me."  "My parents are my REAL parents so STOP ASKING ME QUESTIONS!" These are the typical statements of my adolescence and young adulthood... denial. From what I have been reading of other adult adoptee experiences, this seems to be a common theme.

Third, the person has persistent symptoms of "increased nervous system arousal" not present before the trauma. For example, I have had disruption in my sleep patterns, increased irritability, and hyper-vigilance.

And finally, the experiences must cause "clinically significant" distress or "impairment in social, occupational" or other areas of life. In my case, the constant self-sabotage in interviews and not being able to get a job would definitely go under this category.

This is just an overview. As I start to really delve into my experiences and interpret my psychological realities I will post more. So look for more later!

Also, please comment any reactions, similar experiences, or differences in opinion. I would REALLY appreciate any insight to others' experiences!!