New research reveals more about Postpartum Depression in Men including Approval of Medication designed to address PPD
Only 1 in 7 women develops postpartum depression (PPD) after having a baby. In an announcement this summer about the approval of Zurzuvae, the first PPD medication for women, Dr. Tiffany Farchione, director of the psychiatry division of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, named it as a “potentially life-threatening condition in which women may experience intense sadness, guilt, and worthlessness, and, in severe cases, serious thoughts of harming themselves or their child.”
Postpartum depression has also been reported among adoptive and non-birthing parents, such as fathers. The University of Illinois-Chicago conducted one study on postpartum depression in men, estimating that between 8% and 13% of fathers experienced PPD, with 30% of 24 dads screened for the study having it. The study’s results underscore the importance of researching this issue and making father’s health a priority.
Dr. Daniel Singley, the founder of the Center for Men’s Excellence, noted the unique social factors that shape PPD in fathers. The study indicates that PPD can affect men differently than women due to societal expectations and stereotypes. In light of the lack of adequate concern and understanding, postpartum depression in men often goes unnoticed and needs to be addressed.
Effects of Postpartum Depression
3% of new dads face PPD. According to the psychologist, Sarah Allen, “lack of sleep is a common risk factor for postpartum depression, particularly with an infant, where depression and sleep problems go hand in hand.” Financial stress, relational stress, lack of emotional support, drug and alcohol abuse, having a family history of mental health issues, and being a parent of a child with special needs are other risk factors. PPD can negatively impact not just fathers, but their family and children as well. Men often display PPD through symptoms like irritability, physical symptoms like back pain, and an increase in addictive behaviors that should give new fathers and their loved ones an insight for concern.
