Paternal perinatal mental health: progress, challenges and future direction

Abstract

The transition to first‐time or subsequent fatherhood is a time of great happiness and joy for most men. However, some men may find it difficult to adjust to their new role and responsibilities, and maladjustment can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. These adverse perinatal mental health outcomes represent a significant public health concern given the potential negative short‐ and long‐term implications for fathers, their families and wider society.

Preterm birth and paternal mental health during the perinatal period: A systematic review protocol

“…The perinatal period, which covers the time when a man's partner becomes pregnant through to the first year after birth is marked by significant change and the absence of routine [1].…”

“…To date, research examining paternal perinatal mental health has primarily focused on depression, with less attention given to stress and anxiety [1]. More recently, there has been a shift towards focusing on stress and anxiety, the evidence suggests all three are highly correlated [11].…”

“…More recently, there has been a shift towards focusing on stress and anxiety, the evidence suggests all three are highly correlated [11]. Other areas of mental health that have received little attention regarding fathers during the perinatal period include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Substance Use [1].…”

“…Reported rates of adverse paternal perinatal mental health outcomes are significant; however, they are likely to be under representative of the true prevalence as there is a gendered context in men underreporting mental health symptoms, leading to underdiagnoses [1]. Despite the potential of underreporting the prevalence rates represents a significant public health concern.…”

“…Risk factors associated with adverse paternal perinatal mental health have also been investigated. Philpott [1] suggests that understanding risk factors helps identity fathers who are likely to develop adverse mental health outcomes during the perinatal period and the evidence suggests that adverse outcomes can relate to personal, maternal, infant, relationship, socioeconomic and environmental factors. One such risk factor is having a preterm birth/infant [10].…”