Incidence of maternal and paternal depression in primary care: a cohort study using a primary care database

To examine incidence, trends, and correlates of parental depression in primary care from 0 to 12 years of child age.

Prospective cohort study.

Primary care records from more than 350 general practices in The Health Improvement Network database from 1993 to 2007.

A total of 86 957 mother, father, and child triads identified in The Health Improvement Network database by linking mothers and babies and then identifying an adult household man. Depressed parents were identified using Read code entries for depression and antidepressant prescriptions.

Child age, parental age at the birth, and area deprivation quintile.

Incidence rates for maternal and paternal episodes of depression.

Overall incidences of depression from the birth of the child up to age 12 years were 7.53 per 100 person-years for mothers and 2.69 per 100 person-years for fathers. Depression was highest in the first year post partum (13.93 and 3.56 per 100 person-years among mothers and fathers, respectively). By 12 years of child age, 39% of mothers and 21% of fathers had experienced an episode of depression. A history of depression, lower parental age at the birth of the child, and higher social deprivation were associated with a higher incidence of parental depression.

Parents are at highest risk for depression in the first year after the birth of their child. Parents with a history of depression, younger parents, and those from deprived areas are particularly vulnerable to depression. There is a need for appropriate recognition and management of parental depression in primary care.