Depression in partners in the perinatal period
The limited data available about depression in partners during the perinatal period involves males, but is likely to apply to all partners (regardless of their gender).
More than 1 in 10 male partners experience perinatal depression. Depression risk is higher in those who have:
- substance abuse problems
- poor interaction with the infant
- a partner with perinatal depression.
Perinatal depression in partners affects the behavioural, emotional and cognitive development of children. Perinatal depression in partners may be prevented by including them in perinatal care:
- give them the opportunity to be informed about the pregnancy and understand fetal development
- assist them to navigate the emotional and role transitions over the perinatal period
- optimise their ability to support their pregnant partner.
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a 10-item questionnaire used to screen for maternal perinatal depression, can facilitate assessment of paternal perinatal depression. An EPDS score of 10 or higher can indicate depression—see Assessing a person with depressive symptoms.
If perinatal depression in a partner is identified, treat as for an episode of depression outside the perinatal period—there is insufficient evidence to recommend a specific treatment approach.
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).
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.