Paternal Postpartum Depression Affects Substantial Share of Fathers

Research has identified that a notable proportion of fathers experience postpartum depression during their partner’s pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth. This trend has been observed in multiple studies and highlights a health issue that often receives less attention than maternal postpartum depression.

Meta-analyses have found that roughly one in ten fathers are affected by depression during the perinatal period. These findings are based on reviews of multiple studies conducted over the past decade, indicating that paternal mental health concerns are present across different populations.

In the United States, studies have reported that paternal postpartum depression rates are higher than those seen internationally. U.S. estimates range from approximately 12.8% to 14.1%, while global rates are generally between 7.1% and 8.2%. This suggests that the prevalence of depression among new fathers may vary by region.

Despite these figures, clinical diagnoses of paternal postpartum depression remain less common. A U.S. cohort study covering the years 2008 to 2019 found that only 1.7% of fathers received a formal diagnosis within the first year after their child’s birth, compared to 8.9% of mothers in the same period.

What the numbers show

• Meta-analyses report a 10% prevalence of paternal postpartum depression
• A 2010 study found a 10.4% rate among over 28,000 fathers
• U.S. rates range from 12.8% to 14.1%, higher than international rates of 7.1% to 8.2%
• Clinical diagnosis rates in the U.S. cohort were 1.7% for fathers and 8.9% for mothers
• Paternal depression peaked at 13% between three and six months postpartum in one analysis

Research has also shown that the likelihood of paternal postpartum depression increases when the mother is affected. In a study of parent pairs, 3.0% of fathers experienced depression when the mother also had postpartum depression, compared to 1.6% when the mother did not.

Symptoms of paternal postpartum depression can differ from those typically seen in mothers. Fathers may display signs such as irritability, emotional withdrawal, loss of enjoyment, and increased reliance on harmful substances. These differences may contribute to underdiagnosis and under-screening among men.

Studies indicate that stigma and lack of awareness can prevent fathers from seeking help or being identified as experiencing postpartum depression. As a result, many cases may go unrecognized, even when symptoms are present.

Research has also established a connection between maternal and paternal postpartum depression. Fathers are more likely to experience depression if their partner is affected, indicating that mental health challenges can impact both parents during the perinatal period.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.