Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Paternal postpartum mood: bipolar episodes?

Karen Amaral Tavares Pinheiro1, Fabio Monteiro da Cunha Coelho, Luciana de Ávila Quevedo

  • 1Postgraduate Program in Health and Behavior, Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.

Revista Brasileira De Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)
|October 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Bipolar and depressive episodes are common in fathers during pregnancy and postpartum. Men experiencing depressive symptoms antenatally should be screened for manic and hypomanic symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Paternal mental health is crucial for family well-being.
  • Limited research exists on paternal bipolar and depressive episodes during the perinatal period.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of depressive and bipolar spectrum episodes in fathers during pregnancy, postpartum, and 12 months after childbirth.
  • To investigate the association between depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes over time.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study followed 739 fathers in Pelotas, Brazil.
  • Paternal psychopathology was assessed using the Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) at three time points: antenatal, 30-60 days postpartum, and 12 months postpartum.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of depressive episodes was 5.0% (antenatal), 4.5% (postpartum), and 4.3% (12 months).
  • Mixed episodes accounted for a significant proportion of depression cases, particularly antenatally (61.1%).
  • Depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes were associated during pregnancy and postpartum, but not at 12 months.

Conclusions:

  • Bipolar episodes are common in fathers with depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum.
  • Routine screening for manic and hypomanic symptoms is recommended for this population.
  • Paternal mental health monitoring is essential throughout the perinatal period.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period06:40

Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period

Published on: April 5, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Bipolar Disorder01:30

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview01:24

Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview

Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as a...
Borderline Personality Disorder01:25

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and impulse control. This instability manifests in extreme emotional reactions, fear of abandonment, and self-destructive behaviors. The disorder significantly impacts daily functioning, often leading to distress in both personal and professional domains.
Genetic and Environmental Contributions
Borderline Personality...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia01:27

Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia

Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...