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Predictors and Changes in Paternal Perinatal Depression Profiles-Insights From the DREAM Study
Susan Garthus-Niegel1,2,3, Andreas Staudt3, Patricia Kinser4
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|November 16, 2020
Summary
Paternal perinatal depression symptoms decreased from 9% during pregnancy to 5% postpartum. Four profiles emerged: not depressed, anhedonic, anxious-worried, and depressive, with social support being protective.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Paternal perinatal mental health research is limited compared to maternal.
- Longitudinal studies on paternal depression are rare.
- Understanding fathers' mental health during the perinatal period is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Estimate prevalence of paternal perinatal depression symptoms in Germany.
- Identify distinct depression profiles among expectant fathers.
- Determine modifiable predictors of these depression profiles.
- Analyze changes in profile membership during the perinatal period.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal cohort study (DREAM) with 1,027 expectant fathers.
- Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used during pregnancy and 8 weeks postpartum.
- Latent transition analysis to investigate depression profiles and transitions.
- Covariates included lifestyle and life situation factors.
Main Results:
- Paternal depression symptom rates declined from 9% in pregnancy to 5% postpartum.
- Four latent profiles identified: not depressed, anhedonic, anxious-worried, and depressive.
- Perceived social support and relationship satisfaction were protective factors.
- The 'depressive' profile exhibited the least stability over time.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to identify paternal perinatal depression profiles, predictors, and changes.
- Findings highlight the need for person-centered prevention and intervention strategies for fathers.
- Further research should explore differential outcomes of profiles and include more measurement points and risk factors.
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