Dads get baby blues
THE SCREENING TESTS FOR DEPRESSION ARE FAILING NEW FATHERS, WRITES
Post-natal depression among new fathers may be more common than previously believed, with a new study raising concern about the effectiveness of screening methods. A study from Lund University in Sweden of 447 new fathers found the established method of detecting depression (ENDS, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) works poorly on men.
POST-NATAL depression among new fathers may be more common than previously believed, with a new study raising concern about the effectiveness of screening methods.
A study from Lund University in Sweden of 447 new fathers found the established method of detecting depression (ENDS, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) works poorly on men.
“This means that current statistics may not tell the whole truth when it comes to depression in new fathers,” coauthor Elia Psouni, associate professor of developmental psychology, said.
“The screening method does not capture symptoms which are particularly common in men, such as irritation, restlessness, low stress tolerance, and lack of self-control.”
The study showed onethird of the depressed fathers had thoughts of hurting themselves, however few had been in contact with the healthcare system.
Among those who were classified as being moderately to severely depressed, 83 per cent had not shared their suffering with anyone. The corresponding figure for new mothers is believed to be 20-50 per cent.
In Australia, it’s thought one-in-20 men experience depression during the pregnancy, known as antenatal depression, and up to one-in-10 new dads struggle following the birth (post-natal depression).
According to support group PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia), antenatal or post-natal depression can make a man feel like he’s “trapped”. They often feel frustrated or unable to relax.
The researchers believe screening new fathers beyond 12 months is needed to ensure they receive the right support.
“Among dads, depression is common, even at the end of the first year, which may be due to the fact that they rarely get help, but there may be other explanations. Whatever the reason, it is important to monitor dads’ wellbeing as their part of the parental leave usually occurs towards the end of the child’s first year of life,” Prof Psouni said.