A new study reveals that new fathers with a history of depression are at increased risk of suffering from postpartum depression.
A groundbreaking study by University College London (UCL), which analyzed the medical records of 90,000 men who had fathered within the previous year, shed light on a rarely-discussed issue affecting some men during the transformational period of parenting.
The study found that men who had previously used antidepressants were 30 times more likely to be prescribed antidepressants again within the first year of their child’s birth. The researchers, led by Professor Eileen Petersen, emphasized that postpartum depression in fathers is not a risk for all men, but rather likely affects those who are already prone to depression.
Professor Petersen said: “Some of these men may continue with the treatment they were already receiving, but others may not have had a prescription recently and may have had a relapse of depression. Maybe they were simply more aware of their symptoms and seeking treatment. We looked at antidepressant use, not diagnosis. [paternal post-natal depression] It’s not dangerous unless you’re prone to depression. But for some men, having children may be a catalyst. ”
While prenatal and postnatal mental health is usually focused on women, this study highlights the need to pay attention to the mental health of new fathers as well. Researchers suggest that fathers should consider getting a mental health check-up from their primary care physician during the first year of parenthood.
Principal investigator and PhD candidate Holly Smith, who was involved in the study, highlighted the complex relationship between depression and fatherhood. “Although the relationship between depression and fatherhood is complex, we found that previous antidepressant treatment was an important determinant associated with antidepressant use during the first year after childbirth. This may be because men continue to receive treatment they had before having children. Alternatively, these men may be more prone to depression again, and the difficulties of having a new child may exacerbate this.”
The study also highlighted the impact of social deprivation on the likelihood of receiving antidepressant prescriptions. Fathers living in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were 18 percent more likely to be prescribed antidepressants than those in the least advantaged neighborhoods.
Postpartum depression affects 1 in 10 new mothers, and a similar proportion of men were found to have depression during their partner’s pregnancy and first year of parenting. With adult depression rates on the rise, this study highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues for both mothers and fathers during the critical period of welcoming a new child into the family.
With growing awareness of the mental health challenges new fathers can face, researchers hope that health care professionals and society at large will prioritize support and resources for men navigating the profound changes that come with fatherhood.
