Considerations in managing anxiety disorders in partners during the perinatal period

The limited data available about anxiety in partners during the perinatal period involves males but is likely to apply to all partners (regardless of their gender).

During the perinatal period, the partner commonly experiences anxiety and depression. The perinatal period is a time of huge adjustment with significant identity and psychosocial stress. Societal expectations of partners have changed over recent decades and their caregiving responsibilities have increased. Yet, partners often report feeling excluded from perinatal services and not entitled to receiving mental health care. The impact of perinatal anxiety in partners is relatively unknown but appears to impair their child’s emotional development.

There is insufficient evidence to recommend specific anxiety treatment or prevention strategies during the perinatal period for the partner. If an anxiety disorder is suspected in a partner in the perinatal period, assess and treat them as for the relevant disorder (see Assessing a person with anxiety). Limited evidence suggests that specific electronic education programs and partner-inclusive infant care classes can reduce anxiety in partners—see websites below.

For further information and support for clinicians and patients, see the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) website. The PANDA National Helpline (1300 726 306) provides risk assessment, support, counselling and information (including referral advice about local medical, mental health and family services) for new and expecting parents.

The Gidget Foundation Australia provides free telehealth counselling for parents in the perinatal period.

SMS4Dads is a project researched and run by the University of Newcastle. It provides new fathers with helpful and encouraging text messages and links to useful resources.

For considerations in managing anxiety disorders during pregnancy and after giving birth, see here.