| Paternal depression | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Postpartum depression, Postnatal depression |
| Specialty | Psychiatry |
| Symptoms | Anxiety, extreme sadness, substance abuse, irritability, violence, risky behavior, anger attacks |
| Complications | Relationships with partner and children |
| Usual onset | Early pregnancy to years postpartum |
| Causes | Unclear |
| Risk factors | Prior mental disorder and drug abuse, bipolar disorder, family history of depression, psychological stress, upholding multiple social roles, lack of support |
| Diagnostic method | Based on severity of symptoms |
| Differential diagnosis | Baby blues |
| Treatment | Counselling, medications, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) |
| Medication | Antidepressants |
Paternal depression is a psychological disorder derived from parental depression. Paternal depression affects the mood of men; fathers and caregivers in particular. 'Father' may refer to the biological father, foster parent, social parent, step-parent or simply the carer of the child. This mood disorder exhibits symptoms similar to postpartum depression (PPD) including anxiety, insomnia, irritability, consistent breakdown and crying episodes, and low energy.[1] This may negatively impact family relationships and the upbringing of children.[2] Parents diagnosed with parental depression often experience increased stress and anxiety levels during early pregnancy, labor and postpartum.[2] Those with parental depression may have developed it early on but some are diagnosed later on from when the child is a toddler up until a young adult.
The causes of paternal depression are unclear; however, previous experiences of mental disorders and family history can contribute to the development of paternal depression.[3] Other factors including stress overload, sleep deprivation and unhappy relationships with one's partner or children may also affect its prevalence.[4] Although symptoms of feeling down, baby blues and a lack of sleep are common amongst new parents, a diagnosis of depression is appropriate when symptoms are severe and ongoing.[5]
Most health literature provides studies and research on maternal depression and women with postnatal depression.[6] However, there is limited information about men and mental illness. Modern society and culture have changed social stigma of men with mental illness due to changes in gender role perspectives.[7]
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