Monday’s New York Times reports that 1 in 10 fathers is affected by prenatal or postpartum depression.

“It may be Mom’s depression leading the way; it may be Dad’s depression leading the way; it may have to do with the child’s temperament,” said Dr. James F. Paulson.

American fathers were at greater risk for depression than fathers in other countries, with rates of 14.1 percent compared with 8.2 percent elsewhere. Dr. Paulson said the disparity might be because of cultural differences, along with more liberal paternity-leave policies in other countries.

Here is a link to the study’s abstract in JAMA.

The closest I can find to an apples/apples comparison with frequency in women, was this quote in mesdscape from the authors:

Although past studies have shown incidence rates of 10% to 30% for maternal depression, which can often lead to negative family and child development outcomes, studies focusing on paternal depression are troubled by “clinical heterogeneity and prevalence estimates that vary considerably,” the investigators write.

Sciencedaily also covered the article.

The correlation between paternal and maternal depression also suggests a screening rubric — depression in one parent should prompt clinical attention to the other. Likewise, prevention and intervention efforts for depression in parents might be focused on the couple and family rather than the individual,” the authors write.

This is another example that our mental health–for the good or for the bad–is contagious.

Drifting off topic …

I was talking to a buddy of mine today while getting my haircut. One of the things we’ll be thinking about for next year’s mental health week, is how to attract a male audience. My friend suggested a talk on anger. He also agreed that an audience that was exclusively or predominantly male would attract other men.

Guys that are out of work; guys that have a health problem; or an addiction (alcohol, gambling) problem … these are candidates for topics, but I’ve got two issues with that:

1. I’m looking increasing general awareness–lower obstacles for asking for help when you or your family face that eventual crisis.  The problem with tackling a specific topic (like post partum in this article, or layoffs, or home foreclosures, or a drinking problem) is that when we are, seduced really, by our understanding of the source of the problem it actually gives us a way to avoid facing it.  Oh … well when my child (and wife) start sleeping through the night, my depression will go away.  Or when I find work, my depression will go away. But let’s think about just simply treating the depression now.  Take advil or tylenol for that fever.  Treat it!
2. Similarly, if the guy says to himself, Hey I have a job.  Hey, I haven’t been laid off–my salary isn’t at risk.  I bike 50 miles week.  I’m fit.  Work out.  I don’t kick the dog.  So I don’t need help.  I’m tough enough just to get thru these feelings of depression myself.  If I had a public excuse like a layoff, then maybe I’d be willing to ask for help. Good luck with that.