Depressive symptoms were assessed in a group of 622 Canadian first-time fathers during their partner’s third trimester using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The prevalence of depressive symptoms in fathers was 13.76% at 2 months and 13.6% at 6 months.
This study suggests that postpartum depression may be as common in fathers as it is in mothers. It should be noted that the prevalence of paternal depression in this study is higher than observed in other studies of fathers. However, this study differed in that it focused only on first-time fathers.
Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD
Da Costa D, Danieli C, Abrahamowicz M, Dasgupta K, Sewitch M, Lowensteyn I, Zelkowitz P. A prospective study of postnatal depressive symptoms and associated risk factors in first-time fathers. J Affect Disord. 2019 Apr 15;249:371-377.
First-time fathers at risk of postnatal depressive symptoms (MD Edge Psychiatry)
Thank you for sharing this study! It is very concerning that we don’t really hear enough about men being as vulnerable to this type of depression in our society. Data from the study results is absolutely fascinating. Almost 14% of fathers suffered from postpartum and the number almost didn’t change from the period from 2 to 6 months. I also think that it is important to note that the study includes only 1st-time parents, and one can imply from a logical standpoint that subsequent pregnancies are less likely to cause Postpartum. What is everyone’s thoughts on it?
Thank you for sharing this study! It is very concerning that we don’t really hear enough about men being as vulnerable to this type of depression in our society. Data from the study results is absolutely fascinating. Almost 14% of fathers suffered from postpartum and the number almost didn’t change from the period from 2 to 6 months. I also think that it is important to note that the study includes only 1st-time parents, and one can imply from a logical standpoint that subsequent pregnancies are less likely to cause Postpartum. Another interesting statistic is that, according to Wikipedia: “Postpartum depression affects roughly 15% of women after childbirth. Moreover, this mood disorder is estimated to affect 1% to 26% of new fathers.” Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_depression So as you can see numbers for men are really vague and unindicative even here. What is everyone’s thoughts on this?
Mental health is equally as important as physical health. Mental health problems may cause some critical conditions if ignored.