PPD…Affects Just As Many Dads As Moms: Men And The PPD Risk

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By mia bolaris-forget

Having a baby is happy, exciting news for both moms and dads. But, did you know that both moms and dads alike can suffer from post-partum blues. That’s right according to recent research, post-partum depression affects just as many (new) daddies as it does mommies with an average of about one in ten parents affected.

While more and more women and their doctors have become aware of the merits of early diagnosis it is less apparent how new dads deal with the stresses of fatherhood. And, experts note the importance of the psychological well being of both parents especially since children of depressed dads exhibit more emotional and behavioral problems than other children at age 3 and more psychiatric disorders by age 7.

Studies suggest that about 14% of North American men and 8% of men in other countries suffer from post-partum depression during their partner’s pregnancy or within the first year of fatherhood., with the problem peaking between 3 and 6 months after baby’s arrival; the time frame where 25% of new dads and 42% of new moms reporting depression.

Experts site hormonal changes and imbalances for the depression. They note that levels of estrogen and progesterone drop drastically in women and testosterone levels take a plunge in men…and both lead to depression.

In addition experts add that about half the men who are involved with women suffering from post-partum depression also suffer from the condition. However, these depressed dads are less likely than moms with the some condition to seek and get help, especially since men are not required routine visits with a medical practitioner and may go years before seeing a doctor.

Long Island Pregnancy Articles > PPD…Affects Just As Many Dads As Moms: Men And The PPD Risk