Both parents may concurrently experience perinatal depression, need psychological assistance

New and expectant parents experience perinatal mood disorders, with consequences to parenting ability, bonding with the neonate, interpersonal relationships, and health and well-being of parents. Research shows that maternal and paternal perinatal mood disorders are associated, but no recent systematic review has addressed the prevalence of perinatal mood disorders in both mothers and fathers (parental dyad).

A study was conducted to examine the prevalence of perinatal mood disorders in parental dyads and identify factors associated with perinatal mood disorders in parental dyads.

Studies reporting the prevalence of anxiety or depression in both members of a parental dyad were included, with diagnosis according to established criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fifth Edition], International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision) or use of validated screening tools. Prevalence data were extracted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data were analyzed in subgroups: antenatal depression, early postnatal depression (0-12 weeks), late postnatal depression (3-12 months), and perinatal anxiety. Pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Quality assessment was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Data were analyzed in June 2021.

Results:

• Twenty-three studies were included, with data from 29 286 couples.
• The pooled prevalence of antenatal depression in both parents was 1.72%
• The prevalence of early postnatal depression (up to 12 weeks post partum) was 2.37% and the prevalence of late postnatal depression (3-12 months post partum) was 3.18%
• Only 3 studies reported on perinatal anxiety in both parents, precluding a quantitative analysis.

Thus, in up to 3.18% of couples, both parents may concurrently experience perinatal depression. Perinatal health care must consider the mental health needs of parents, both as individuals and as a parental dyad. Further research is needed to examine outcomes in families where both parents experience perinatal mood disorders.

Reference:

Smythe KL, Petersen I, Schartau P. Prevalence of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Both Parents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(6):e2218969.

doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.18969