Can a dad have postnatal depression?

At present, no diagnostic manual used in psychiatry or psychology offers a definitive definition of postnatal parental depression. In the studies so far, the criteria of the DSM (Manual of Diagnosis and Statistics of Mental Disorders) for the mother have been used, which must meet at least 5 out of 9 present symptoms, at least 2 weeks most days during the first 4 weeks of . Symptoms include depression / sadness, decreased interest and pleasure in most activities, significant weight gain / decrease, or hypersomnia, fatigue, lack of energy, psychomotor agitation / inhibition, feelings of guilt, decreased concentration and thought . Most studies show that postnatal parental depression occurs in the first year after childbirth, with an incidence peak between 3-6 months, with symptoms slowly, insidious, gradual, compared to maternal depression. Maternal postpartum depression is a potent risk factor, being the strongest predictor of paternal depression. It is not clear what the causal relationship is, but the partners of depressed mothers reported that they feel they are not properly supported, feel fear, confusion, frustration, mania and have a feeling of insecurity about the future of the family.

Unfortunately, both partners enter a vicious circle, feeding their depressed and irritable states to each other, and in the absence of an outside support, things can get worse. Besides the partner, the risk factors involved in the development of postnatal paternal depression are biological, environmental or hereditary. Recent research has found a link between depression and the reduction in testosterone predominantly in fresh daddy, but the causes are far from being elucidated. The hypothesis of a hormonal disturbance has started from the fact that in recent years the number of studies that have found a correlation between the hormonal fluctuations that occur in the postpartum period in mothers and depression. These fluctuations also occur in the case of the father, giving birth to a series of changes in both levels and other hormones such as estradiol, cortisol, vasopressin or prolactin.

Depression enters the landscape when these fluctuations are either very high or last longer than they should. Other factors such as sleep deprivation, absence of a paternal model in the father's case, lack of parental rewards, unconsolidated couple relationship before childbirth, or the history of mental disorders in the family can trigger or worsen depressive states in the fresh-blooded father. The negative effects of father's mental health deterioration on child development and family have been proven, especially in the postpartum period. Postnatal paternal depression can affect father-child relationship, quality of care, being a stressful factor for the family, and may be involved in the development of behavior or hyperactivity or delays in acquiring language for the child. Risks grow when both parents suffer from depression.

If the father acts as a \. They will look at children negatively in all respects, will increase violence and will decrease their involvement in children's education. The quality of care, emotional and social care in the early years of life of the child is directly proportional to the degree of involvement and health of the father. For dads, different types of support can improve the postnatal transition process. The most effective support methods come from partners.

Mutual encouragement and an active discussion in a couple before childbirth can reduce the stress caused by the long-awaited event. Sharing parenting roles between partners can diminish the sense of isolation acquired by fathers as well as feelings of jealousy towards the child because of the new-born relationship. Of course, other family members can also help to prevent affective disorders and maintain well-being within the home. There are also special education and parenting programs that help dads understand their expected roles. These should be started right from the onset of pregnancy, as anticipation and depression may even occur from this period.

Social support and state initiatives, such as compulsory paternity leave, should be implemented and respected in each country. Worldwide, only 45 countries have adopted some paternity leave policies, and we are glad to count among these countries, offering up to 3 weeks of free pay for fresh daddy. Traditionally, fathers were regarded only as a source of financial support in the family. However, the active involvement of fathers in raising children needs to make society aware of the need for adequate support that the freshman has. That is why encouraging fathers to seek help from mental health specialists (psychiatrists, counselors) could considerably improve family health.

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