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Postnatal psychiatric illness: the impact on partners
1Institute of Psychiatry, Denmark Hill, London.
Summary
Fathers of women experiencing postpartum psychiatric illness have a higher rate of psychiatric disorders. Their illness often began after their wives were admitted to a mother and baby unit.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Men's Mental Health
Background:
- Postnatal psychiatric illness affects women after childbirth.
- The mental health impact on male partners is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of psychiatric illness in male partners of women with postnatal psychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Studied 24 spouses of women admitted to a mother and baby unit.
- Assessed psychiatric illness using RDC or DSM-III criteria.
- Compared rates with control groups.
Main Results:
- 12 out of 24 (50%) spouses were psychiatrically ill.
- Rates were higher than in control groups.
- Illness onset often followed wives' admission; associated with social problems and prior episodes.
Conclusions:
- Male partners of women with postnatal psychiatric illness are at increased risk.
- Early identification and support for these men may be crucial.