Dads are just as likely as moms to become depressed: study

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 important because depression can have serious consequences if left untreated." "We know that fathers who are depressed are less engaged with their children, which can lead to cognitive and behavioral problems," Cheng said by email. "Fathers who experience symptoms of depression – which include sadness, irritability, restlessness, and anger – should not hide their feelings because professional help is available."

About one every fourth mother suffers from depression at one time or another their children are young, note Cheng and colleagues in JAMA Pediatrics. Although many women may be screened for prenatal visits or check-ups after birth, 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 assessed, fathers accounted for only 12% of people screened positive for depression

. untreated for depression, the study's authors conclude.

A limitation of the study is that this has been done at only five pediatric clinics in Indianapolis, and it is possible that screening results might be different elsewhere.

According to Karen Wynter, a researcher in nursing and midwifery at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, who was found positive for symptoms of depression would eventually 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 via e-mail

"Men are less likely than women to bring back tears, but more likely to indicate irritability., anger, risky alcohol consumption or work habits have changed, "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 of Fathers' Depression Craig Garfield, Pediatric Researcher at Northwestern University and Lurie Children's Hospital Chicago

"Children thrive when parents flourish," Garfield said , who was not involved in the study, by email.

"Almost all new parents are tired, but if a dad (or mother) feels continually bluish, unable to enjoy the things that he usually likes or that he feels unusually stressed, he can start by talking to the doctor about his child "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."