Researchers have urged struggling new dads to seek specialist mental health support in the weeks following the birth of their child, in a bid to ward off post-natal depression in men.
For years debates have raged as to whether men can also suffer from the condition, known to affect around one in ten new mums.
But researchers in Canada and Pakistan found men ‘also experience substantial emotional challenges’ and ‘are in need of support’.
In a study involving more than 350 new dads, they discovered father-child group therapy reduced symptoms in over 70 per cent of those with the condition.
Fathers with postpartum depression also saw their risk of lashing out at their partner reduce.
Researchers in Canada and Pakistan found men ‘also experience substantial emotional challenges’ and ‘are in need of support’
Dr Ishrat Husain, study lead author and senior scientist at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto said: ‘Male mental health, and especially postpartum depression in fathers, remains a stigmatised and understudied area.
‘Historically, the focus has rightfully been on maternal health during pregnancy and postpartum.
‘However, we’re learning that men also experience substantial emotional challenges as they adapt to new parental roles and are in need of support.’
Globally, around 10 per cent of fathers are thought to be affected by PND.
But in countries such as Pakistan, where more traditional gender roles tend to be present, rates could be as high as 23.5 per cent, researchers said.
In the study, the scientists assessed the mental health of 357 new fathers in the nation.
They were randomly assigned either standard care or a four-month ‘Learning Through Play Plus Dads’ programme.
In the latter, new fathers were provided with calendars detailing child development stages and activities to encourage parent-child engagement.
They also attended 12 group sessions led by community health workers and psychologists.
These sessions combined cognitive behavioural therapy to help manage depressive symptoms with life skills training in topics including time management and emotional regulation.
Sessions took place weekly for the first two months, then bi-weekly.
Writing in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, researchers said the intervention led to a ‘full remission of depressive symptoms in over 70 per cent of fathers with PND over four months’.
Fathers who completed the program also showed improvements in wellbeing, and enhanced relationships with their children and partners.
In addition, they reported lower scores on a measure of ‘perpetrated intimate partner violence’ at the end of the treatment period compared to those receiving treatment as usual.
Postnatal depression causes intense feelings of sadness, anxiety and exhaustion that usually begin two to three days after the birth and can last months.
Postnatal depression causes intense feelings of sadness, anxiety and exhaustion that usually begin two to three days after the birth and can last months
Other symptoms include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability and difficulty bonding with the baby.
In rare cases, an extreme disorder called postpartum psychosis may develop, which involves hallucinations and delusions.
Existing treatment includes talking therapy or traditional antidepressants, but these can take weeks to kick in.
Dr Husain said: ‘We noticed that as a father’s depressive symptoms improved, social support for both the father and the family improved.
‘This suggests that when people receive training and education about their mental health, they are more able and willing to seek support from their network of friends, family members, and colleagues.’
He added: ‘Stigma, cultural beliefs, and the high demand for mental health services often prevent fathers from seeking the help they need.
‘Programs like Learning Through Play Plus Dads could be transformative for men in their transition to parenthood by introducing accessible support and educational services that provide a safe space to process emotions.’
