Male postpartum depression definition

Why do men suffer from postpartum depression? What to look for in postpartum depression? What can postpartum depression feel like? Is postpartum depression a distinct diagnosis?

Mothers are not the only ones at risk of depression when the baby arrives.

Postpartum depression strikes a lot of dads as well. In reality, men are susceptible to postpartum mood disorders after the birth of their child. PPND ( Paternal Postnatal Depression ) is common condition among men after the birth of a child. Depression, anxiety or other problems with mood can occur anytime during the first year of your child’s life. Maternal depression was identified as the strongest predictor of paternal depression during the postpartum period.

While the research confirms that male PPPD is real , the majority of men don’t know about it. The real challenge is two-fold: making men aware and helping them get help. But there’s a giant man-sized hole in the understanding of PPD.

Onset is typically between one week and one month following childbirth. PPD can also negatively affect the newborn child. Men and women can experience depression very differently. Here are some symptoms that are common in men: Increased anger and conflict with others. Frustration or irritability.

Although there are few studies existing on this topic, the high comorbidity of postpartum depression with other psychiatric disorders has been found among men. The most common psychiatric disorders co-occurring with depression during postpartum period are anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD ). PPD symptoms can include any of the following:. Difficulty bonding with your baby. Withdrawing from family and friends. Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual.

Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much. Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy. However, male postpartum depression isn’t as widely discussed or researched as postpartum depression in women. Whether you are male or female, the changes that come with bringing a baby into the world can be tough, and the life transition can be challenging.

Male postpartum depression is also more likely in men who have other health problems or are unemployed. Men are at risk if the couple experience lots of conflict or have separated.

An unexpected pregnancy or disappointment in the baby’s gender can be factors. However, there is not yet diagnostic criteria established for PPND. As an expert on postpartum mental health, I get this question all the time. And the answer is: “Yes”.

Men can, and do, get depressed after the baby comes and even during pregnancy. Feelings of worthlessness. Engagement in risky behaviors like abusing alcohol or drugs, gambling, or extramarital affairs. Mothers with postpartum depression experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to complete daily care activities for themselves or for others.

Group treatment for postpartum depression: a systemic review. Prevalence rates for postpartum blues are between and of women who experience childbirth. Talk to someone now: text us for confidential support.