Do Fathers suffer from Postpartum Depression? YES, Says New Study

Dads can suffer from postpartum depression, and a new pilot study at the University of Illinois Chicago suggests they can and should be screened for the condition. The study sheds light on postpartum depression in fathers and underscores the importance of screening new dads for the condition. The study revealed that 30% of the 24 fathers screened for postpartum depression using the same tool commonly employed for mothers tested positive.

The study, published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, was conducted at UI Health’s Two-Generation Clinic.

These findings emphasize the necessity of assessing the mental health of new fathers, as they frequently grapple with stress, fear, and the challenges of balancing work, parenting, and partnership responsibilities.

Lead author Dr. Sam Wainwright highlights the significance of addressing the mental health of new fathers, as it can significantly impact their partners' well-being. When a woman is at risk of postpartum depression, having a depressed partner increases her likelihood of developing the condition.

While previous studies estimated that postpartum depression affects 8% to 13% of new fathers, the rate in this study was likely higher due to the racial or ethnic backgrounds of the participants. Nearly 90% of the participants belonged to racial or ethnic groups affected by structural racism and social determinants that can exacerbate mental health issues.

Reference: Screening fathers for postpartum depression in a maternal-child health clinic: a program evaluation in a midwest urban academic medical center, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05966-y