Depressive Symptoms In Fathers Research Articles

The Impact of the New Families Home Visiting Program on Depressive Symptoms Among Norwegian Fathers Postpartum: A Nonrandomized Controlled Study.

Becoming a parent is a vulnerable life transition and may affect parents' mental health. Depressive symptoms may occur in fathers, as well as mothers, during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The health service is expected to have a family perspective, aiming to support both parents. Despite this goal, mothers traditionally receive more support than fathers. Home visiting programs may provide enhanced guidance for new fathers and increased mental health support. The aim of this study was therefore to assess possible differences in level of depressive symptom in fathers receiving the New Families home visiting program compared with those receiving standard care from the Norwegian Child Health Service. A prospective nonrandomized controlled study with a parallel group design was performed. The Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to measure depressive symptoms in fathers (N = 197) at 28 weeks of their partners' pregnancy (T1), at 6 weeks (T2), and 3 months postpartum (T3), in the intervention and the control group. The results indicate a prevalence of depressive symptoms (EPDS score ≥ 10) in Norwegian fathers of 3.1% at T1, 3.9% at T2, and 2.2% at T3 for the full sample. No significant EPDS score differences were found between the intervention and the control group at six weeks and three months postpartum. This suggests that the intervention had no clear impact on depressive symptoms during this time-period.

Peripartum Depressive Symptoms in Fathers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: This research investigates peripartum depression in fathers during COVID-19, focusing on how pandemic-related distress is associated with paternal depressive symptoms and the quality of father-child feeding interactions. The primary objective was to understand if the pandemic has influenced depressive symptoms in new fathers and how these symptoms impact their interactions with their children, especially during feeding. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the research employs online surveys and remote observation to gather data from 243 Italian fathers. The analysis involves established psychometric tools like the Symptoms Check-List/90R and the Peritraumatic Distress Index to assess the severity of depressive symptoms and their correlation with father-child interaction exchanges, observed through the SVIA. Results: The fathers' peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19 was significantly and positively associated with the level of their depressive symptoms and negatively correlated with the quality of their feeding interactions with their children. Moreover, elevated levels of peritraumatic stress were notably predictive of higher instances of depressive symptoms in the fathers. Further, higher levels of stress associated with COVID-19 were predictive of a poorer quality of father-child interactions. Conclusions: This research highlights the need for inclusive perinatal support programs, offering foundational insights into paternal mental health during pandemics.

Fathers' subjective childbirth stress predicts depressive symptoms at six months postpartum

BackgroundChildbirth is a seminal experience in parents' lives. However, little research has investigated the link between fathers' birth experiences and their postpartum mental health. We hypothesized that a more subjectively stressful birth will predict greater self-reported depressive symptoms in fathers at six months postpartum. We also investigated the association between mode of delivery and paternal subjective stress. MethodsSeventy-seven heterosexual fathers expecting their first child and cohabiting with their pregnant partners participated in the study. Depressive symptoms were assessed in pregnancy and again at six months postpartum. Subjective birth stress was measured within the first few days of the birth, and birth charts were collected to examine mode of delivery. ResultsFathers' ratings of subjective birth stress significantly predicted postpartum depressive symptoms at six months postpartum. Subjective birth stress ratings varied significantly for fathers whose partners delivered via emergency cesarean section compared to those whose partners gave birth via both medicated and the unmedicated vaginal delivery. LimitationsThe study was limited by its small community (non-clinical) sample, which was restricted to heterosexual, cohabitating couples. Additionally, births were mostly uncomplicated and only 14 mothers underwent emergency cesarean section. ConclusionThese findings highlight that the days immediately following childbirth are a window of opportunity for early intervention in new fathers at risk for postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression screening in mothers and fathers at well-child visits: a feasibility study within the NASCITA cohort

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of the family paediatrician’s (FP) role in identifying the signs of postpartum depression in parents in time to guarantee child well-being.Design, setting and participantsData for this...

Depressive Symptoms in Fathers during the First Postpartum Year: The Influence of Severity of Preterm Birth, Parenting Stress and Partners' Depression.

Although preterm birth constitutes a risk factor for postpartum depressive symptomatology, perinatal depression (PND) has not been investigated extensively in fathers of very low (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. This study explored paternal depression levels at 3, 9, and 12 months of infant corrected age, investigating also the predictive role played by the severity of prematurity, maternal and paternal PND levels, and parenting stress. We recruited 153 fathers of 33 ELBW, 42 VLBW, and 78 full-term (FT) infants, respectively. Depression was investigated by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and distress by the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form-PSI-SF (Total and subscales: Parental Distress, Parent–Child Dysfunctional Interaction, and Difficult Child). ELBW fathers showed a significant decrease (improvement) in EPDS, total PSI-SF, and Parental Distress mean scores after 3 months. Paternal EPDS scores at 12 months were significantly predicted by VLBW and FT infants’ birth weight categories, fathers’ EPDS scores at 3 and 9 months, Parent–Child Dysfunctional Interaction subscale at 3 months, and Difficult Child subscale at 9 months. This study strengthens the relevance of including early routine screening and parenting support for fathers in perinatal health services, with particular attention to fathers who might be more vulnerable to mental health difficulties due to severely preterm birth.

Cinnamaldehyde prevents intergenerational effect of paternal depression in mice via regulating GR/miR-190b/BDNF pathway.

Paternal stress exposure-induced high corticosterone (CORT) levels may contribute to depression in offspring. Clinical studies disclose the association of depressive symptoms in fathers with their adolescent offspring. However, there is limited information regarding the intervention for intergenerational inheritance of depression. In this study we evaluated the intervention of cinnamaldehyde, a major constituent of Chinese herb cinnamon bark, for intergenerational inheritance of depression in CORT- and CMS-induced mouse models of depression. Depressive-like behaviors were induced in male mice by injection of CORT (20 mg·kg-1·d-1, sc) for 6 weeks or by chronic mild stress (CMS) for 6 weeks. We showed that co-administration of cinnamaldehyde (10, 20, or 40 mg·kg-1·d-1, ig) for 6 weeks in F0 males prevented the depressive-like phenotypes of F1 male offspring. In addition, co-administration of cinnamaldehyde (20 mg·kg-1·d-1, ig) for 4 weeks significantly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors of chronic variable stress (CVS)-stimulated F1 offspring born to CMS mice. Notably, cinnamaldehyde had no reproductive toxicity, while positive drug fluoxetine showed remarkable reproductive toxicity. We revealed that CMS and CORT significantly reduced testis glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression, and increased testis and sperm miR-190b expression in F0 depressive-like models. Moreover, pre-miR-190b expression was upregulated in testis of F0 males. The amount of GR on miR-190b promoter regions was decreased in testis of CORT-stimulated F0 males. Cinnamaldehyde administration reversed CORT-induced GR reduction in testis, miR-190b upregulation in testis and sperm, pre-miR-190b upregulation in testis, and the amount of GR on miR-190b promoter regions of F0 males. In miR-190b-transfected Neuro 2a (N2a) cells, we demonstrated that miR-190b might directly bind to the 3'-UTR of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In the hippocampus of F1 males of CORT- or CMS-induced depressive-like models, increased miR-190b expression was accompanied by reduced BDNF and GR, which were ameliorated by cinnamaldehyde. In conclusion, cinnamaldehyde is a potential intervening agent for intergenerational inheritance of depression, probably by regulating GR/miR-190b/BDNF pathway.

Risk assessment of paternal depression in relation to partner delivery during COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and relevant prevention and control measures may affect the mental health and induce depressive symptoms in fathers with concurrent partner delivery exposure. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression in fathers with simultaneous exposure to COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of family functions on paternal perinatal depression (PPD) risk.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among the perinatal fathers recruited in a large tertiary hospital in Wuhan across the whole pandemic period from 31 December 2019 to 11 April 2020. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and APGAR family function scale were used to evaluate PPD and family function, respectively. Chi-square test and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model were applied for data analysis.ResultsAmong the 1187 participants, the prevalence of PPD was 13.82% throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with that in the time period before the announcement of human-to-human transmission on 19 January 2020, the depression risk was significantly lower during the traffic restriction (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.86) and public transportation reopening periods (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.59). Poor/fair family functions was associated with elevated depression risk (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.90, 4.52). Individuals reporting a low family income and smoking had high depression risks.ConclusionsA declined risk of PPD was observed over the traffic restriction period of the COVID-19 pandemic. An improved family function may help alleviate the risk of PPD during the pandemic. Health authorities are recommended to formulate targeted prevention and control strategies to handle PPD.

Investigating the link between sleep and postpartum depression in fathers utilizing subjective and objective sleep measures

BackgroundWhile fathers are at risk of developing poorer sleep and depressive symptoms in the postpartum period, they represent an understudied population in the literature. The present study aimed to explore the association between sleep and postpartum depressive symptoms in fathers using subjective and objective sleep measures. MethodsFifty-four fathers reporting no history of depression took part in this cross-sectional study. At 6 months postpartum, paternal sleep was assessed for 2 weeks utilizing a self-report daily sleep diary, a self-report perceived sleep quality rating, and actigraphy. In the same period, depressive symptoms in fathers were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D). ResultsRegression analyses showed that paternal subjective sleep variables captured by the sleep diary (total nocturnal sleep time and number of night awakenings) were not related to postpartum depressive symptoms. However, self-reported perceived sleep quality was significantly associated with postpartum depressive symptom severity in fathers independently of demographic variables related to depression. Alternatively, the objective sleep variables (total nocturnal sleep time, number of night awakenings, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset), measured by actigraphy, did not demonstrate a significant relationship with paternal depression scores. ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of perceived sleep quality, along with better understanding its association with postpartum depressive symptoms. Implementing a multi-measure approach enabled us to expand our knowledge about how different facets of sleep relate to postpartum depression, specifically in fathers. The results have important implications for the development of clinical interventions targeting paternal sleep and mood in the postpartum period.

741 Sleep and postpartum depression in healthy fathers: Perceptions of sleep quality predict severity of symptoms

Abstract Introduction Research on the link between sleep quality and depression in the postpartum period has focused primarily on mothers. Although fathers also experience poorer postpartum sleep and are at risk of developing depressive symptoms, they remain understudied. To date, the limited research focusing on paternal sleep and depression has relied on subjective measures of sleep, without objective verification. The current study implemented a multi-measure approach using subjective and objective indices to explore the relationship between sleep and depressive symptoms in fathers at 6 months postpartum. Methods Fifty-four healthy fathers participated in this cross-sectional study. Paternal sleep was assessed for 2 weeks utilizing: 1) a self-report daily sleep diary, 2) a self-report perceived sleep quality rating, and 3) actigraphy. Subjective indices via the sleep diary measured participants’ perception of their total nocturnal sleep duration and total number of awakenings (self-reported sleep duration and fragmentation). Perceived sleep quality ratings measured participants’ perceptions of how well they thought they slept. Objective sleep variables measured through actigraphy included: total nocturnal sleep duration, number of awakenings, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset (WASO). Paternal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression Scale (CES-D). Results Regression analyses showed that subjective sleep variables (measured by the sleep diary) and objective sleep variables (measured by actigraphy) did not significantly predict postpartum depressive symptoms in fathers (p > .05). However, self-reported perceived sleep quality significantly predicted postpartum depressive symptom severity in fathers (R2 = .172, p = .034). Conclusion These findings advance our understanding of the link between sleep and depression in fathers. The results highlight the important role of fathers’ perceptions of sleep quality, rather than the actual quality or quantity of their sleep (measured through the sleep diary or actigraphy), in the development of postpartum depressive symptoms. The multi-measure approach to sleep implemented in this study expanded our knowledge about how different facets of sleep relate to depression. These findings have important implications for the development of clinical interventions targeting paternal sleep and mood in the months following childbirth. Support (if any) Social-Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS)

Risk factors for postpartum depressive symptoms among fathers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The transition to parenthood is a major life change that may affect the mental well-being of both mothers and fathers and place them at an increased risk for depression. The objective of our study was to systematically review the literature and identify factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms in fathers. Searches were conducted in PubMed, PsychInfo, Embase, and CINAHL to identify studies published until March 2020. Studies that reported factors associated with depression among fathers were included. The data from these studies were extracted independently by two authors with disagreements resolved by a third author and consensus. The odds ratio (OR) was used as a measure of association between the risk factor and the primary outcome: depression within the first 12months following childbirth among fathers diagnosed using any method. Summary estimates were calculated using a random effects model. The associations between the risk factors and depressive symptoms were evaluated. The search identified 1040 reports. After screening titles and abstracts, 62 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 25 studies involving 13972 fathers were included in the systematic review. Fathers with a prior mental health illness episode had higher odds of developing depressive symptoms than those with no mental health history (eight studies, n=3515, pooled OR 6.77, 95% CI 5.07-9.04; I2 =0%). Other significant risk factors included relationship dissatisfaction (eight studies, n=6924, pooled OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.29-1.81; I2 =93%), maternal depression (seven studies, n=6661, pooled OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.27-2.17; I2 =88%), financial instability (five studies, n=3052, pooled OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.44-3.48; I2 =74%), paternal unemployment (three studies, n=1505, pooled OR 6.61, 95% CI 1.94-22.54; I2 =59%), low education level (two studies, n=1697, pooled OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.06-11.97; I2 =88%), and perceived stress (two studies, n=692, pooled OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.11; I2 =5%). Lack of support and low parenting self-efficacy were also associated with paternal postpartum depressive symptoms. A history of paternal mental illness, maternal depression, and diverse psychosocial factors were associated with depressive symptoms among fathers postnatally. These findings can guide the development of family-level interventions for early identification and treatment and social media campaigns to promote help-seeking behaviors and engagement in preventive strategies.

Paternal postnatal depression and received midwife, child health nurse, and maternal support: A cross-sectional analysis of primiparous and multiparous fathers

Background: Fathers want more professional and social support during the transition to fatherhood. It is unclear if these supports are associated with decreased depressive symptoms in fathers of infants. Aim: The aim of the current study was to assess if fathers’ self-reported received professional and social support were related to changes in the odds for having depressive symptoms, with interaction terms focusing on differences of support based on the fathers’ parity. Methods: In total, 612 fathers from Sweden completed a Facebook-advertised anonymous online survey. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to detect depressive symptoms (≥10 points). Multiple imputation of missing data was performed. Logistic regressions were used, with interaction terms for fathers’ parity. Results: Around 21% of fathers had depressive symptoms. There were no associations between depressive symptoms frequencies and paternal parity. Fathers reported fewer depressive symptoms when they received professional support from the prenatal midwife (OR = .39, p = .007), labor/birth midwife/nurse team (OR = .42, p = .021), and child health nurse (OR = .25, p = .001), as well as social support from their partner and if they had a higher income (odds ratios vary in different models). Multiparous fathers received significantly less professional and social support and were less frequently invited to child health visits than primiparous fathers. Limitations: The data collected was cross-sectional; therefore, causal links cannot be determined. Conclusions: Both primiparous and multiparous fathers should receive postnatal depression screenings and interventions to help reduce their depressive symptoms.

Perinatal Distress in Fathers: Toward a Gender-Based Screening of Paternal Perinatal Depressive and Affective Disorders.

In Western society, with the gradual transition from the patriarchal family to the contemporary nuclear one (both parents work and contacts with the extended family are limited), fatherhood has been increasingly linked to more expectations and responsibilities in childcare and family life (Quilici, 2010; Biehle and Mickelson, 2012; Crespi and Ruspini, 2015). At biological level, neural plasticity and hormonal changes that occur in men may also increase the risk of psychological distress during the transition to parenthood (Poromaa et al., 2017; Baldoni, 2020). Research has clearly demonstrated that during the perinatal period the emotional states of mothers and fathers influence each other showing a significant correlation between paternal and maternal perinatal depressive disorders (Baldoni and Ceccarelli, 2010; Paulson and Bazemore, 2010; Musser et al., 2013). Thus, in the last decades there has been an increased interest in men's perinatal mental health (Baldoni, 2010; Garfield, 2015; Gutierrez-Galve et al., 2015; Field, 2018). In this scenario, Paternal Perinatal Depression (PPND) is considered a specific condition that affects many fathers between pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. PPND is associated with maternal depression (Baldoni et al., 2009; Paulson et al., 2016) and adverse outcomes in children and adolescents, including externalizing and internalizing symptoms (Ramchandani and Psychogiou, 2009; Baldoni, 2016; Sweeney and MacBeth, 2016). Specifically, a longitudinal study on 12,884 fathers has confirmed the influence of PPND on the psychophysical development of children evaluated from birth to 7 years of life (Ramchandani et al., 2005, 2008), with an increase, more significant in males, in emotional and behavioral control problems at 21 and 42 months and childhood psychiatric disorders and oppositional behaviors at 7 years. Other studies (Baldoni et al., 2009, 2011) conducted with the CARE-Index (Crittenden, 1979–2007) documented the influence of depression and poor paternal sensitivity on the psychomotor development of infants (assessed with the Bailey scales). Two recent metanalyses showed a PPND prevalence in the word ranging from 10.4% (Paulson and Bazemore, 2010) to 8.4% (Cameron et al., 2016) and longitudinal studies found that pregnancy is the most sensitive period for the onset of symptoms in both men and women (Madsen and Juhl, 2007; Figueiredo and Conde, 2011). Therefore, the term Paternal Perinatal Depression (PPND) is gradually replacing Paternal Post-partum/Post-natal Depression (PPD), to consider and identify the possible onset of depressive symptoms in fathers since the prenatal period (Baldoni, 2010; Cameron et al., 2016; Bruno et al., 2020). Although these terms are commonly used in research, these diagnoses are not even mentioned in the current DSM-5. The manual only specifies the criteria for a major depressive episode “with peripartum onset” referring to the mother only, which is defined as the most recent episode occurring during pregnancy as well as in the 4 weeks following delivery. Anyhow, fathers are not usually the focus of the prevention and screening of perinatal affective disorders, and PPND remains underestimated and undertreated compared to maternal depression. A possible explanation is that men tend to show a less clear clinical picture than women do and thus the use of screening questionnaires developed for mothers may be not appropriate. Given that perinatal depression risks and psychological responses differ significantly based on gender (Habib, 2012), it would be useful to rethink perinatal psychological disorders considering the wide array of paternal affective symptoms and the limitations of current tools developed to assess maternal depression. Hence, the aim of this opinion article is to emphasize the need to consider male-specific responses to perinatal distress following an integrative and gender-based perspective. Secondly, we have commented on the limits of research on PPND based on current self-reported measurements.

Prevalence, symptomatology, risk factors and healthcare services utilization regarding paternal depression in Germany: study protocol of a controlled cross-sectional epidemiological study

BackgroundWhile postpartum depression is a well-researched disorder in mothers, there is growing evidence indicating that some fathers also develop depressive symptoms (paternal postpartum depression, PPD). A recent meta-analysis revealed a total prevalence of paternal depression during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum of 8.4%, with significant heterogeneity observed among prevalence rates. International studies suggest that PPD is characterized by additional symptoms compared to maternal postpartum depression. Furthermore, various risk factors of PPD have been identified. However, the prevalence, symptomatology, risk factors and healthcare situation of fathers affected by PPD in Germany are unknown.Methods/designThis study comprises a controlled, cross-sectional epidemiological survey administered via postal questionnaires. The primary objective is to compare the prevalence of depressive symptoms in fathers with a 0–12-month-old infant to the prevalence of depressive symptoms in men without recent paternity. Two structurally differing regions (concerning birthrate, employment status, socioeconomic structure, and nationality of inhabitants) will be included. A random sample of 4600 fathers (2300 in each region) in the postpartum period and 4600 men without recent paternity matched by age, nationality and marital status will be assessed regarding depressive symptoms using the PHQ-9. Contact data will be extracted from residents’ registration offices. As secondary objectives, the study aims to provide insights into symptoms and risk factors of PPD in fathers and to assess the current healthcare situation of fathers with PPD in Germany. In an add-on study, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of PPD will be explored.DiscussionThis study will conduct the first direct comparison between fathers in the postpartum period of one year after childbirth and a matched sample of men without a newborn child. Besides closing this research gap, the findings will provide prevalence estimates as well as insights into specific symptomatology, risk factors, and the current healthcare situation regarding fathers with PPD in Germany. The results will identify low-threshold approaches as a relevant issue for healthcare. Moreover, the findings should inform the development of PPD-specific screening instruments and healthcare offers addressing fathers with PPD.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00013339; Trial registration date: August 20, 2018; Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111–1218-8185.

General, Interpersonal, and Gender Role Specific Risk Factors of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in Fathers

Introduction: Paternal postnatal depression has significant negative consequences for the family and child. Still, only little attention has been paid to potential unique risk factors of depression in fathers and the theoretical grounding of such research is sparse. Method: This study examined prenatal risk factors derived from three theoretical models: the cognitive vulnerability-stress model, the interpersonal model, and the gender role risk model of paternal postnatal depression. The sample consisted of 211 expectant fathers, of whom 5.7% scored above the clinical cut-off on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and 235 mothers were included as a reference group. Participants filled in questionnaires during pregnancy and four months postpartum. Results: The study results suggest that prenatal depressive score is the strongest risk factor for both paternal and maternal postnatal depressive symptoms. In addition, childhood separation from parents, unemployment, financial strain, and doubts about having the child were unique risk factors for paternal depressive symptoms, while lower marital satisfaction was a unique risk factor for maternal depression. Discussion: These findings highlight that beyond the strong role of prenatal depressive symptoms for both genders, specific risk factors for father depression exist. This may be informative to health care professionals in increasing the reach and prevention of depression in new fathers.

A prospective study of postnatal depressive symptoms and associated risk factors in first-time fathers

BackgroundRecent studies show that paternal depression negatively impacts children's behavioral and emotional development. This study determined the prevalence of depressed mood in first-time fathers at 2 and 6 months postpartum and identified associated risk factors. MethodsA prospective cohort study with 622 men who completed sociodemographic and psychosocial questionnaires during their partner's third trimester of pregnancy. Fathers completed measures again at 2 and 6 months postpartum and partners completed the depressed mood measure at all three timepoints. A cutoff of ≥10 for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale identified depressed mood status. ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms in fathers was 13.76% at 2 months and 13.60% at 6 months postpartum. Men who were depressed during their partner's pregnancy were 7 times more likely to be depressed at 2 months postpartum. Depressed mood status at both the antenatal and 2 month postpartum assessment was associated with increased risk of depressed mood at 6 months postpartum. Older age, poor sleep quality at study entry, worse couple adjustment, having a partner experiencing antenatal depressive symptoms and elevated parental stress were associated with depressive symptoms at 2 months postpartum. Poor sleep quality, financial stress and a decline in couple adjustment were independently associated to depressive symptoms at 6 months postpartum. LimitationsThis sample was fairly well-educated and predominately middle-class. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a self-report questionnaire. ConclusionsThe psychosocial risk factors identified provide opportunities for early screening and targeted prevention strategies for fathers at risk for depression during the transition to parenthood.

Predictors of parental distress during acute phase of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Japan: A multicenter prospective study.

The purposes of this study were (1) to describe the levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms in parents of children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before (Time 1 [T1]) and one month after transplantation (Time 2 [T2]), and (2) to identify the pre-HSCT factors that predict anxiety and depressive symptoms in fathers and mothers one month after transplantation. A prospective quantitative study was conducted at four children's hospitals between June 2015 and September 2016 using self-administered questionnaires and medical records. Parents from 23 families, including 19 fathers and 23 mothers, completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (cutoff score: 8) and provided information regarding their stress appraisal, coping strategies, family functioning, demographic characteristics, and children's health-related quality of life. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the variables that predicted T2 paternal and maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms. Among the parents, 15 fathers (79%) and 11 mothers (48%) reported anxiety symptoms, and 13 fathers (68%) and 9 mothers (39%) reported depressive symptoms above the cutoff level for clinical relevance at T1. Similarly, 11 fathers (58%) and 6 mothers (26%) reported anxiety symptoms, and 10 fathers (53%) and 9 mothers (39%) reported depressive symptoms above the cutoff level at T2. Overall, parents' anxiety and depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between T1 and T2. For fathers, both T1 depressive symptoms and the understanding of their children's medical situation through communication with other parents and consultation with medical staff predicted T2 paternal depressive symptoms. For mothers, T1 maternal anxiety symptoms and marital satisfaction predicted T2 anxiety symptoms. The medical staff should understand that parents of children undergoing HSCT experience considerable psychological distress throughout the treatment process, and therefore, they should adopt unique approaches to reduce such distress.

ASSESSMENT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN A GROUP OF CHILEAN PARENTS

Background and objective
 Several studies have shown that not only mothers, but also fathers can suffer from peripartum depression. This phenomenon has not been researched in Chile; therefore, the aim of present study is to explore the presence of depressive symptoms in fathers and mothers during the postpartum period and describe their interaction.
 Material and Methods
 users of the Western Metropolitan Health Service Unit were assessed 2 months after childbirth with a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-I), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
 Results
 even though mothers score significantly higher in both scales, 18.5% of men surpass the cutoff score in the EPDS and 10.5% in the BDI-I.
 Conclusion
 These results stress the need to continue researching this phenomenon and incorporate father assessment in perinatal checkups.

The association between paternal and adolescent depressive symptoms: evidence from two population-based cohorts

Incidence of depression increases markedly around age 13 years, and nearly three-quarters of adults report that their mental health problems started in adolescence. Although maternal depression is a risk factor for adolescent depression, evidence about the association between paternal and adolescent depression is inconclusive, and many studies have methodological limitations. We aimed to assess the association between paternal and adolescent depressive symptoms in two large population-based cohort studies. We used data for two-parent families from two representative prospective cohorts in Ireland (Growing up in Ireland [GUI]) and the UK (Millennium Cohort Study [MCS]). Parental depressive symptoms were measured with the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in the GUI cohort when children were 9 years old, and the Kessler six-item psychological distress scale in the MCS cohort when children were 7 years old. Adolescent depressive symptoms were measured with the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) at age 13 years in the GUI cohort and age 14 years in the MCS cohort. We analysed data using linear regression models, before and after adjustment for confounders, in both multiply imputed and complete case samples. There were 6070 families in GUI and 7768 in MCS. After all adjustments, a 1 SD (three-point) increase in paternal depressive symptoms was associated with an increase of 0·24 SMFQ points (95% CI 0·03-0·45; p=0·023) in the GUI cohort and 0·18 SMFQ points (0·01-0·36; p=0·041) in the MCS cohort. This association was independent of, and not different in magnitude to, the association between maternal and adolescent depressive symptoms (Wald test p=0·435 in the GUI cohort and 0·470 in the MCS cohort). Our results show an association between depressive symptoms in fathers and depressive symptoms in their adolescent offspring. These findings support the involvement of fathers as well as mothers in early interventions to reduce the prevalence of adolescent depression, and highlight the importance of treating depression in both parents. Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Economic and Social Research Council.

Symptoms of depression in Swedish fathers in the postnatal period and development of a screening tool.

Methods for detecting depression in fathers after the birth of their child are scarce. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), used to screen mothers for postpartum depression (PPD), lacks somatization and externalizing items. This potentially decreases its sensitivity in detecting depression in fathers, as many men actually express depression with somatization or externalizing symptoms. The present study assessed depressive symptoms in fathers of children 0-18 months old, and evaluated whether addressing both typical depression and externalizing, so-called "depressive equivalent" symptoms, might be more suitable for such assessment. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), EPDS, and Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS) were responded to by 447 Swedish fathers online. Among participants, 27% reported depressive symptoms above the BDI-II cut-off suggestive of depression. Most fathers reported both traditional and depressive equivalent symptoms and a subgroup expressed exclusively depressive equivalent symptoms. Consistently, a scale combining items from the EPDS and GMDS showed higher sensitivity than the EPDS alone in identifying fathers with elevated depressive symptoms, at equal levels of specificity. Our findings suggest that a combination of EPDS and depressive equivalent symptom items results in a more suitable instrument for screening for depression in fathers during the postnatal period.

High paternal testosterone may protect against postpartum depressive symptoms in fathers, but confer risk to mothers and children

Following the birth of an infant, decreases in testosterone and increases in depressive symptoms have been observed in fathers. Paternal testosterone may reflect fathers' investment in pair-bonding and paternal caregiving and, as such, may be associated with maternal and familial well-being. This study tests associations between paternal testosterone, paternal and maternal postpartum depressive symptoms, and subsequent family functioning.Within 149 couples, fathers provided testosterone samples when infants were approximately nine months old and both parents reported on postpartum depressive symptoms at two, nine, and 15months postpartum. Fathers with lower aggregate testosterone reported more depressive symptoms at two and nine months postpartum. Mothers whose partners had higher evening testosterone reported more depressive symptoms at nine and 15months postpartum. Maternal relationship satisfaction mediated this effect, such that mothers with higher testosterone partners reported more relationship dissatisfaction, which in turn predicted more maternal depressive symptoms. Higher paternal testosterone and paternal depressive symptoms at nine months postpartum each independently predicted greater fathering stress at 15months postpartum. Higher paternal testosterone also predicted more mother-reported intimate partner aggression at 15months postpartum. In addition to linear relationships between testosterone and depression, curvilinear relationships emerged such that fathers with both low and high testosterone at nine months postpartum reported more subsequent (15-month) depressive symptoms and fathering stress.In conclusion, whereas higher paternal testosterone may protect against paternal depression, it contributed to maternal distress and suboptimal family outcomes in our sample. Interventions that supplement or alter men's testosterone may have unintended consequences for family well-being.