
90,000 males who became fathers in the previous year had their medical records examined for the study.
A recent study found that postnatal depression is more likely to affect new fathers who have a history of depression. An important topic that affects certain men throughout the life-changing experience of fatherhood is finally brought to light in a ground-breaking study by the University College London (UCL), which examined the medical records of 90,000 men who had become fathers within the preceding year.
According to the study, men who had previously taken antidepressants were 30 times more likely to receive a prescription for them during the first year following the birth of their kid. Postnatal depression in dads was not a concern for all men, the researchers, led by Professor Irene Petersen, emphasized; rather, it was more likely to affect those who were predisposed to depression.
Professor Petersen stated, "What we did see is that [paternal post-natal depression] is not a risk unless you are prone to depression. But having a child might be a trigge..." Some of these men will continue treatment they were already on, but others didn't have a recent prescription and may have suffered a relapse of depression. It may be they are just more aware of the symptoms and sought treatment.
This study highlights the need of paying attention to new fathers' mental health as well, even though the focus on mental health during pregnancy and postpartum traditionally centers on women. In the first year after becoming parents, the researchers advise fathers to think about visiting their GP for a mental health checkup.
The study's principal investigator, PhD candidate Holly Smith, emphasized the nuanced nature of the connection between depression and parenthood. "The relationship between depression and fatherhood is complex, but we found that prior antidepressant treatment is a key determinant associated with antidepressant use in the year after having a child. This may be because the men are continuing the medication they were taking prior to having a child, or these men may be more susceptible to experiencing depressive symptoms again, and the difficulties of having a new child may exacerbate this."
The study also emphasized how social deprivation affects the risk of being prescribed an antidepressant. In comparison to fathers who lived in the least depressed areas, those in the most depressed areas had an 18% higher likelihood of receiving an antidepressant prescription.
One in ten new moms have postnatal depression, and this study has shown that a comparable percentage of males experience depression throughout their partner's pregnancy and the first year of parenthood. The research emphasizes the significance of identifying and treating mental health disorders in both mothers and fathers during the crucial period of welcoming a new kid into the family in light of the rising incidence of depression among adults.
Researchers believe that when the public becomes more aware of the mental health issues that new fathers may experience, healthcare professionals and the general public will prioritize providing resources and support for men as they adjust to the tremendous changes that come with fatherhood.
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