[Paternal depression in a "stay-at-home" father - case report]

There is a growing body of data on paternal peripartum depression (perinatal depression in father; PND-F), however, it has traditionally been investigated only in women. Recently accumulating results confirmed the prominent role of the mental health of fathers in the psychosocial development of children and new trends showed up concerning the father's role in the family. In this case report we demonstrate the clinical aspect of a depressive episode of a "stay-at-home" father of two children (a 5-year old boy living with autism and a 8-year old girl). In relation to the case we want to emphasize that various situations can be stressful for a person with affective vulnerability. It is noteworthy that although childcare is a happy period for the majority, it can be a stressful life period for vulnerable persons and it can provoke a depressive episode. Acceptance and tolerance of this correlation at the level of society is still far away, however, it is indispensible for adequate and timely intervention which is essential for the stability of families and the psychosocial development of children.