Postpartum depression in men – a common but rarely understood problem

Abstract

Introduction. Postpartum depression (PPPD) is defined as the occurrence of a depressive episode in the postpartum period, with a peak incidence between 3-6 months. It is estimated that 1 in 10 fathers are currently affected, yet most research focuses only on postpartum depression in mothers. Objective. The aim of the study was to analyze scientific reports on paternal postpartum depression in men. The available literature on 'postpartum depression among men' was reviewed based on the Scopus, PubMed and OVIDMedline databases. Brief description of the state of knowledge. The questionnaire useiIn the diagnosis of PPPD is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a screening test for postnatal depression occurring in mothers, but it has also found application in fathers. Results. Fathers perceived a lack of perinatal health care education in relation to their needs and a shortage of specialist support. The father's disturbed mental state prevents him from taking full responsibility for the family and places a mental strain on the mother. At the same time, a poor partner relationship is a risk factor for PPPD. Paternal PPD is a danger to newborn children who are at a critical stage of their development. Conclusions. Fathers should be screened for early detection of PPPD and intervention in a disorder that lacks appropriate diagnostic tools. Public awareness of PPPD is important because fathers are particularly vulnerable, and can be lacking in meeting traditional expectations and modern fatherhood tasks.

Patient navigation models for mental health of parents expecting or caring for an infant or young child: A systematic review

“…For programs targeting additional health domains, there was evidence that PN also fostered improvements in health behaviors, such as a reduction in smoking or opioid use (Cochran et al., 2018; Fallin‐Bennett et al., 2019), and improvements in diet and exercise (Simione et al., 2021). Despite the availability of effective treatments for PMH issues, prior research has identified a range of factors that hinder screening rates (Leśniewska et al., 2021; Lomonaco‐Haycraft et al., 2019) and adequate treatment (Austin et al., 2017; Cox et al., 2016; Thombs et al., 2014). The potential of PN to enhance patients’ service utilization, therefore, provides a promising model for tackling these issues in PMH service provision.…”

“…Despite increased awareness of perinatal mental health (PMH) issues and the availability of effective treatment options, many women are not screened for MH as part of perinatal care or do not receive treatment for their distress. Screening and treatment rates are estimated to be significantly lower for members of vulnerable groups, those in the private health care system, and among fathers or parenting partners (Leśniewska et al., 2021; Lomonaco‐Haycraft et al., 2019). Even with policy initiatives aimed at implementing universal PMH screening, many women identified as at risk either do not access MH assessment and treatment services, do not follow through with treatment or are inadequately treated, due to a range of factors including lack of appropriate services, stigma, and difficulty navigating a fragmented PMH service landscape (Austin et al., 2017; Cox et al., 2016; Thombs et al., 2014).…”

“…Even with policy initiatives aimed at implementing universal PMH screening, many women identified as at risk either do not access MH assessment and treatment services, do not follow through with treatment or are inadequately treated, due to a range of factors including lack of appropriate services, stigma, and difficulty navigating a fragmented PMH service landscape (Austin et al., 2017; Cox et al., 2016; Thombs et al., 2014). There is also increasing acknowledgment that parenting partners and fathers are at heightened risk of developing PMH issues, though they are rarely targeted for support (Leśniewska et al., 2021; Scarff, 2019). Given this, strategies that help connect parents presenting with PMH concerns to appropriate treatment pathways must integrate and coordinate available services and support, including social care services for families with complex psychosocial needs.…”

Diagnostic and preventive measures undertaken by midwives regarding mental health among women and men in the perinatal period – analysis of the results of a multicentre cross-sectional study

“…Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research and strive to include this group in screening, increasing the likelihood of getting help and improving the quality of functioning of the woman's partner and the whole family [16]. Against this background, it has been indicated that the male version of the EPDS questionnaire may find application as a type of screening applied to the partners of pregnant and postpartum women [17].…”

Maternal expectations and paternal self-efficacy as factors associated with the occurrence of depressive symptoms in parents after childbirth.

“…There may also be an inadequate fear for the child's health and life, excessive worrying about the situation and excessive concern for one's own health (Wasilewska-Pordes, 2000). However, the above-mentioned symptoms are considered more typical of maternal PPD, which is dominated by depressed mood and apathy, while PPPD is additionally accompanied by aggressiveness, irritability, indecisiveness, and restricted range of emotion (Madsen & Juhl, 2007) or isolation from the environment (Leśniewska et al, 2021) and resorting to substance use as well (Dhillon et al, 2022).…”