/arc-anglerfish-tgam-prod-tgam.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FSKZPREFYZH5ROMKZQXBWJT4SY.JPG)
[ad_1]
Researchers examined the results of depression screenings for parents in more than 9,500 visits to pediatric clinics with their children. Overall, 4.4% of fathers and 5% of mothers were found to be positive for depression.
"The fact that so many new dads are experiencing this experience is significant because depression can have serious consequences if it is not treated" Cheng, a pediatric researcher at the School of Medicine at the University of Toronto. University of Indiana at Indianapolis
History Continues Under Advertisement
"We know that depressed fathers are less engaged with their children, which can lead to cognitive problems and Cheng said by e-mail: "Fathers who experience symptoms of depression – which include sadness, irritability, restlessness and anger – should not hide their feelings because a helper is available. "
About one in four mothers suffers from depression at one time or another their children are young, noted Cheng and colleagues in JAMA Pediatrics, although many women may be screened. During prenatal visits or post-natal checkups, men may not have the same access to screening.
As parental depression can have lasting effects on the physical and mental health of young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics All parents – mothers and fathers – are the object of. screening for depression during baby and child health exams.
As the study points out, fathers are often not the parents accompanying the children to the doctor.
Fathers were present at more than 2,900 visits, or about 31% of the time, according to the study. They were less likely to come to these exams when the children were older, black or poor.
Of 806 visits, when fathers completed the depression screening questionnaires, 36 men were screened positive. This is roughly equivalent to the proportion of mothers who tested positive
but among all parents badessed, fathers accounted for only 12 percent of people screened positive for depression
. the author continues
This suggests that many fathers are not diagnosed or treated for depression, conclude the study's authors.
A limitation of the study is that it was performed in five pediatric clinics in Indianapolis. According to Karen Wynter, a researcher in nursing and midwifery at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, it is also possible that all people screened positive for symptoms of depression will not be diagnosed with the mental health disorder. Fathers might also not report the same symptoms as mothers, Wynter, who did not participate in the study, said by e-mail.
"Men are less likely than women to bring back tears, eg, report irritability, anger, risky drinking or changing work habits", said Wynter. "This may indicate that men are not doing very well with adapting to a new life with a baby."
Yet the findings suggest that screening parents during exams can help spot symptoms Father Craig Garfield, a pediatric researcher at Northwestern University and Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, said: "Children thrive when their parents flourish," said Garfield, who did not participate in the study.
The story continues under the advertisement
"Almost all new parents are tired, but if a father (or mother) is continually feeling bluish, unable to enjoy the things that they like usually or who feel abnormally stressed, they can start talking to their child's doctor, "Garfield advised. "By letting the doctor know what they are feeling, this new father can find the help and resources he needs to move him to parenthood, and be the best father he can be for his child."
Source link
Tags depression fathers screening
