A review of mental health problems in fathers following the birth of a child

Abstract

This literature review explores the range, prevalence and predictors of mental health problems experienced by fathers in the first year after their baby’s birth. Problems include depression, anxiety, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), stress/post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder and psychosis. Up to a third of men may experience depressive symptoms. Factors associated with this relate to the parenting style of their own parents, their personality, experiences of the birth, demographic factors, their partner’s characteristics, their relationship with their partner and families and their view of their baby. If fathers experience postnatal depressive symptoms, these can impact on their interactions with their children, their partners’ interactions with their children and their children’s behaviour. OCD may occur in new fathers in relation to fears of harming their children. Men who attend births may experience intrusive thoughts and images especially if they feel they did not support their partner during labour or felt pressured to attend the birth. There are accounts of men developing postnatal bipolar disorder or psychosis.

Keywords:

• childbirth
• emotional
• father/s