Adoption is the process by which an adult legally and permanently takes over parental responsibility for a child and, at the same time, the rights and responsibilities of the child’s biological parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are terminated. In rare cases, an adult may adopt another adult.
What Is Adoption? (Plain Language Explanation)
Adoption refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Adoption
- Symptoms: The specific ways adoption shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen adoption
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When adoption occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Adoption
- Adoption is far more common than most people realize
- Adoption is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with adoption see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about adoption is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing adoption, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.