Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Natural Mothers
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Authors
Lake, Bryony
Issue Date
2009-06
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
PTSD in natural mothers after the adoption process
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis outlines a research proposal for a study investigating the experiences and responses of mothers who are separated from their children by adoption, examining the question of whether these responses meet the diagnostic criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although the possibility of PTSD in natural mothers is suggested by anecdotal evidence, informal surveys, and a qualitative thematic analysis of 91 peer-reviewed journal articles, no study so far has used standard instruments for diagnosing or screening for PTSD in this population. Findings from this study may have ethical and practice implications for therapy and public policy.