Dads Can Get Postpartum Depression, Too
Depression in dads is, in fact, a relatively common phenomenon―affecting anywhere between 2% and 25% of them during their partner’s pregnancy or in the first year postpartum.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), this rate can increase to 50% when the mother also has perinatal/postpartum depression. And it can take a serious toll on the family’s wellbeing, specifically their children’s.
Risk Factors for Paternal Depression:
New demands and responsibilities during pregnancy and the postpartum period often cause major changes in a father’s life, too. It’s important to understand what risk factors can affect the development of depression.
- Difficulty developing an attachment with the baby
- Lack of a good male role model
- Lack of social support or help from family and friends
- Changes in marital relationship, such as a partner’s lack of intimacy
- Feeling excluded and jealous over mother-child bonding
- Lack of rewards in parenting
- Maternal depression
- Financial and work stress
- Low testosterone
Symptoms of Paternal Depression:
Men may show different signs of depression. They may not cry but feel frustrated and angry. The depression may manifest itself in terms of irritability, impulsivity, and feeling unable to find pleasure in anything. Depressed fathers are more likely to engage in substance use, domestic violence, and discourage their partner from breastfeeding and/or breast pumping.
Screening for Paternal Depression:
The AAP recommends that all mothers should be routinely screened for depression during pregnancy and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months after childbirth using screening tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Recently, doctors have started to screen fathers as well using this same EPDS questionnaire. Early identification of depressed fathers helps in accessing support and treatment so that they can remain present and positively involved with their family.
Research clearly demonstrates that it is important for men to get treated for depression, which may include talk therapy, antidepressant medications, and community-based supports.
Last Updated 12/17/2018
Source American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2018)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
