IJERPH, Vol. 17, Pages 1139: When Fathers Begin to Falter: A Comprehensive Review on Paternal Perinatal Depression

IJERPH, Vol. 17, Pages 1139: When Fathers Begin to Falter: A Comprehensive Review on Paternal Perinatal Depression International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph17041139 Authors: Bruno Celebre Mento Rizzo Silvestri De Stefano Zoccali Muscatello The transition to parenthood is considered to be a major life transition that can increase the vulnerability to parental depressive disorders, including paternal perinatal depression (PPND). Although it is known that many fathers experience anxiety and depression during the perinatal period, PPND is a recent diagnostic entity and there are not enough published studies on it. Accordingly, its prevalence and epidemiology are still not well defined, although the majority of studies agree that PPND is less frequent than maternal perinatal depression and postpartum depression. Nevertheless, PPND is different from maternal perinatal mental health disorders, usually, fathers have less severe symptoms, and mood alterations are often in comorbidity with other affective disorders. Despite the absence of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and the fluctuation of prevalence rates, clinical symptoms have been defined. The main symptoms are mood alterations and anxiety, followed by behavioral disturbances and concerns about the progress of pregnancy and the child’s health. Moreover, PPND negatively impacts on family functioning, on couples’ relationships, and on ...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research