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Abstract: Paternal postpartum depression (PPD) within the first postpartum year is estimated to occur in 4% to 25% of new fathers. Paternal PPD occurs later postpartum in men than in women, and results in father/infant bonding issues, may lead to long term effects for the child, and has detrimental effects on the couple's relationship. Risk factors of paternal PPD include the mother having PPD, the father having a history of depression, being under 25, and being unmarried. Recent evidence suggests that paternal PPD may be related to sensitivity to low testosterone in some men. Childbirth professionals have the opportunity to raise awareness of this issue through pre and postnatal education of both parents.
Keywords: pregnancy, fatherhood, paternal postpartum depression
Rick is the father of three month old Amy. While he was excited initially at the birth of Amy, he finds himself easily becoming angry, arguing with his wife, unable to make decisions, and suffering from repeated indigestion and diarrhea. He feels less close to his daughter, gets angry at her crying, and frequently avoids caring for her. His wife mentions her concerns to her midwife at her postnatal checkup; her midwife suggests that he may be suffering from paternal postpartum depression.
What is Paternal Postnatal Depression?
Maternal post-partum depression is a well-recognized mental health issue, affecting approximately 13% of postpartum women (O'Hara & Swain 1996). However, depression in the father is also an issue that is less recognized. Estimates of the incidence of paternal postpartum depression (PPD) in the literature vary widely, ranging from 4% to 25% of new fathers within the first postpartum year (Goodman, 2004; Paulson, Dauber, & Leiferman, 2006; Ramchandani, Stein, Evans, O'Connor, &ALSPAC Study Team, 2005).
Mothers' onset of postpartum depression is generally in the early postpartum period (Hendrick et al. 2000); however, depression in men tends to begin later. The definition of many studies is that paternal PPD is depression that occurs within the first 12 months postpartum with the highest rates found at 3 to 6 months postpartum (Goodman, 2004; Musser, Ahmed, Foli, & Coddington, 2013; Nazareth, 2011; Paulson & Bazemore, 2010).
PP depression in men tends to begin later than women
Signs and Symptoms of Paternal PPD
The greatest risk factor of paternal PPD is postpartum depression...