Scientists suggest new dads should get their mental health checked

By Stephen Beech

New dads should be tested for their mental health, suggests new research.

A father’s mental well-being plays a "key" role in child development, according to the study.

Now, experts say early screening for "mental distress" and intervention is essential to support the well-being of new dads and their children.

A review of previous research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that paternal depression, anxiety and stress in the period around childbirth are associated with poorer child development in social, emotional, cognitive and language skills.

Study lead author Professor Craig Garfield, of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, said: “Birth of a child can be highly stressful for both parents.

“In the US, new mothers have been screened routinely for postpartum depression since 2010.

"We need to apply the same strategy to new fathers, since more and more studies like this one show that paternal mental health impacts child development and the well-being of an entire family.”

Around one in seven fathers in the United States (14%) experience postpartum depression, which is similar to the rates of maternal postpartum depression.

But experts say that men tend to "minimise" symptoms of mental distress, so the percentage might be an underestimate.

Garfield said, “As clinicians, we need to rethink how we approach new fathers.

“We need to engage them throughout pregnancy and the perinatal period and normalise feelings of sadness or fear or anxiety that are common during this life-changing event.

"Clinicians should discuss with fathers warning signs for depression to help them recognise when either parent might need help.”

To better understand the experiences and needs of men as they become fathers, Garfield helped to develop and launch a first-of-its-kind public health survey tool called PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System) for Dads.

Started in the state of Georgia, PRAMS for Dads will be operational in eight states by the end of 2025, with efforts ongoing to establish the system in more states.

Garfield said, “PRAMS for Dads helps us focus state resources on addressing the most pressing issues for new fathers.

“It also helps us further appreciate the impact fathers have on the health and well-being of children, so we can better support them in adopting healthy behaviours.”

Findings from Dr. Garfield’s previous research, using data from PRAMS for Dads, revealed that fathers can make a "huge" difference in whether a baby is breastfed and placed to sleep safely.