Health

Study: Men Also Suffer From Postpartum Depression

DENVER (CBS4) ― New moms are not the only ones who can suffer postpartum depression -- dads do too. A new study says the disorder affects about 10 percent of new fathers.

There certainly is the stress of new fatherhood, but there are hormone changes that take place in a new father that are similar to what takes place in a new mother.

Postpartum depression is more common in women, but not by much. Researchers believe about 14 percent of new mothers suffer from the condition. The rate of depression in men more than doubles the first year of having a newborn in the household. It usually starts within two weeks of birth and lasts more than a year.

The symptoms are different between the sexes. Women suffering from postpartum depression tend to become sad, withdrawn and have sleep problems, despite being exhausted. Men, on the other hand, tend to become irritable, aggressive and hostile. There's also a higher rate of substance and alcohol abuse.

Identifying the baby blues in men is important. The research shows children of a depressed dad lag in speech and language development, as well as other areas, compared to children of non depressed dads.

Men and women both have the hormones estrogen and testosterone, but just have different ratios. Lab studies show estrogen levels rise in men after childbirth and testosterone drops. The abrupt and unexpected change in hormones may contribute to male postpartum depression, as well as the stress, family changes and other issues.

Dr. Dave Hnida recommends new dads go to well-baby exams. The pediatrician may help detect a problem which otherwise goes unrecognized.

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