Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

85.9K

Towards effective screening for paternal perinatal mental illness: a meta-review of instruments and research gaps

Philipp Schöch1,2, Laura Hölzle1,2, Astrid Lampe3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics, and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.

Frontiers in Public Health
|July 10, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Paternal perinatal mental illness (PPMI) is under-recognized in fathers, with current screening tools inadequately assessing male symptoms. New, father-specific assessment tools are needed to address these gaps and improve paternal mental health care.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal Mental Health
  • Men's Mental Health
  • Psychometrics

Background:

  • Paternal perinatal mental illness (PPMI) affects approximately 10% of fathers.
  • Social stigma and reluctance to seek help contribute to under-recognition of PPMI.
  • Neglecting paternal mental health impacts fathers, families, and children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically identify and evaluate instruments for assessing PPMI symptoms.
  • To assess the psychometric properties and applicability of these instruments.
  • To identify gaps and limitations in PPMI symptom assessment literature.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a systematic literature review across multiple databases (PubMed, PsycNet APA, Cochrane, Web of Science).
  • Supplemented database searches with hand searches.
  • Performed narrative analysis of extracted data from included studies.

Main Results:

  • The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is widely used but inadequately captures atypical male depressive symptoms.
  • Lack of consensus on cutoff scores and variable instrument sensitivity due to socio-demographic factors.
  • Many identified tools are general and not specific to perinatal mental health in fathers.

Conclusions:

  • Current screening practices for PPMI have limitations and gaps.
  • Existing tools, including EPDS, are not optimally suited for fathers.
  • There is a critical need for screening instruments specifically designed for paternal perinatal mental health.
Abstract

Keywords:
anxietydepressionfatherspaternal mental healthpaternal perinatal depressionperinatalscreening instruments

More Related Videos

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants06:39

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

3.0K
A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect05:04

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

Published on: September 22, 2023

422

Related Concept Videos

Regression Toward the Mean01:52

Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
Self-Discrepancy Theory02:45

Self-Discrepancy Theory

One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
Longitudinal Studies01:26

Longitudinal Studies

Longitudinal studies are also widely used in other medical and social science fields. For instance, in cardiovascular research, they can monitor patients' health over decades to identify risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or smoking, and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of preventive measures. Similarly, in mental health studies, researchers might follow individuals from adolescence into adulthood to understand the development and progression of conditions like...
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder01:29

Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder

The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...