Sympathy pains have reached a whole new level from simple weight gain, cramps and back pain, and it's called Paternal Postnatal Depression. For a woman, the birth of a baby brings an entire new world of changes to her body, physically and emotionally. Not to be confused with baby blues, common mood swings and crying episodes that fade fairly quickly. According to the Mayo Clinic, postpartum depression is much more serious and can have affects for months after birth. The result of hormonal, emotional and physical changes in the body can trigger stresses, fatigue and mood swings that ultimately end in depression. But, what about for dads? James Paulson, a lead researcher at Eastern Virginia Medical School, conducted studies on men and the emotional changes of the birth of a child (published May 19th, 2010) and found that depression in both parents is common, and should be looked out for during postnatal visits.
What is Paternal Postnatal Depression?
Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPND) is the sadness, loss of interest and disengagement that men feel after the birth of a child. It is caused by the significant lifestyle change of having a newborn, sleepless nights, changes in the relationship with the mother and emotional bonding with the baby, as well as maintaining a close bond with other children if they are present. According to PostPartumMen, 1 in 10 - and as many as 1 in 4 - men are diagnosed with PPND. Research shows that a father’s PPND has a negative impact on the emotional and behavioral development of his child years later.
How can PPND be prevented and what treatments are available?
Without effective treatment, PPND can result in damaging, long-term consequences for a man, his child, and his entire family. But with proper treatment and support, men can fully recover from PPND.
Men are less likely than women to open up to others about emotional stress, and even less likely to give and receive male support. Communication is an important factor in preventing depression. If talking to a close friend or relative doesn't help the depression, seeking medical help is imperative. Therapy, involving a trained clinician or psychiatrist can oftentimes help a patient through PPND. However, sometimes medicinal treatment is required. A doctor or psychotherapist may prescribe anti-depressants, for as long as they may be needed for the cure of PPND.
In a report found in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), Paulson said "Future research in this area should focus on parents together to examine the onset and joint course of depression in new parents. This may increase our capacity for early identification of parental depression, add leverage for prevention and treatment, and increase the understanding of how parental depression conveys risk to infants and young children.”
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Emily Sutherlin - Emily has been writing on a variety of topics since 2007. She uses only the most credible sources to bring information to her readers.
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