What experts recommend in case of postpartum depression in the father

The greatest experts of the United States Psychological Association They warned that new parents suffer from postpartum depression in a proportion similar to that of women.

"Recent research has shown that around 10% of new parents postpartum depression, "explained Dan Singley, of the Center for Men & # 39; s Excellence in San Diego. In addition, up to 18% of new parents suffer from a kind of anxiety disorder after the birth of the baby, according to Singley.

Singley pointed out that the incidence rates are comparable to those of mothers for the first timetherefore "postpartum depression can no longer be seen primarily as a pathological variant of the reproductive process in women", but rather "the existing paradigm needs to be changed"

In the same spirit, Sara Rosenquist, from Reproductive Health Psychology Center in Cary, North Carolina, recalled that the "predominant medical library" attributed depression and other postpartum disorders to hormonal changes and fluctuations specifically related to pregnancy and pregnancy. # 39; s birth. "

What factor explains in men?

"It is very unlikely that the hormonal changes Pregnancy and childbirth explain the overall situation if parents and adopters suffer from postpartum depression at similar rates, "explained Rosenquist during his presentation.

A lot of research has been done on stress and postpartum depression among mothers, faced with a lack of determination to identify prevalence rates, causes, consequences and treatment of mental health problems among parents for the first time, according to Singley. "Unfortunately, few psychologists receive training focused on the identification, badessment or treatment of men's common problems between conception and one year after childbirth," he said. .

The experts' recommendation

To this reality is added the fact that "men are reluctant to seek mental health services during this period. "Both experts recommend that parents undergo regular checkups during pregnancy and after delivery to detect any signs of depression.

Identifying postpartum depression in men can however be a challenge, according to Rosenquist, because the symptoms are different from those that women tend to show.

"Women are more likely to report feelings of sadness and frequent crying, while men they must feel irritable and socially disconnectedAccording to Singley, parents who have "strong networks of social support" find in them "a buffer against conflicts and demands related to the education of children".