What do dads want? Treatment preferences for paternal postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is prevalent, occurring in 8 to 13% of new fathers. Identifying effective and acceptable treatments for paternal PPD is important to prevent negative family outcomes. Participation in a patient preferred treatment for depression increases treatment adherence and effectiveness. Thus, developing and delivering interventions that are preferred by the target population is an important aspect of successful treatment. The current study investigated treatment preferences for paternal PPD.

Men (N=140) who were within the first year postpartum were recruited from low-risk maternity clinics, baby shows, and partner referrals. Participants completed a 20-minute online survey that included three expert validated treatment descriptions for depression and a series of questionnaires.

Participants reported preferring individual and couple psychotherapy to pharmacotherapy for treatment of PPD. Men perceived both individual and couple psychotherapy as being more credible and reported more favourable personal reactions towards them when compared to pharmacotherapy.

Participants were not required to meet diagnostic criteria for depression. The majority of participants were asked to respond to a hypothetical scenario of what they would do if faced with PPD.

These findings suggest that fathers prefer psychological interventions over pharmacotherapy for treatment of PPD. Future research should investigate efficacious treatment options for paternal PPD based on treatment preferences.