Depression in dads needs more attention

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-06-16 00:01

New Zealand

Photo by Marcin Jozwiak on Unsplash

The transition to fatherhood can put men at risk of developing depression, particularly in men younger than 30 years old. Researchers looked at men in the longitudinal Christchurch Health and Development study who were first-time fathers, and found that 5.4% of fathers were affected by major depression within twelve months of their child's birth. None of the first-time fathers over the age of 30 were affected, while 7 out of the 25 first-time fathers under the age of 21 had major depression. The authors suggests that clinicians should look for symptoms of depression in new fathers as well as in new mothers.

Media release

From: Pasifika Medical Association Group

Paternal depression is a growing global health concern, as the mental health of fathers impacts the
developing child and their family. Data for this study were collected by the University of Otago’s
Christchurch Health and Development Study. This study has tracked the health and psychosocial
development of 635 boys born in Christchurch in 1977 to age 40. These cohort members were
assessed on symptoms of major depression within 1 year of becoming a first-time father; finding
9/168 (5.4%) were classified as having major depression during that time-period. All major
depression cases were among fathers younger than 30 years. Doctors and health professionals
should consider assessing both new mothers and fathers for depressive symptomology.

Journal/
conference: New Zealand Medical Journal

Organisation/s: University of Canterbury, University of Otago

Funder: . This research was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (Program Grant 16/600). This research was previously funded by grants from the National Child Health Research Foundation (Cure Kids), the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation and the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board

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