Why depression in new dads often appears long after the baby is born

While the mental health of new fathers often remains stable during their partner’s pregnancy and in the months immediately after their child is born, it may begin to deteriorate about a year after childbirth.

According to a Swedish study published in JAMA Network Open, diagnoses of depression and stress-related conditions among new fathers rise about a year after childbirth.

“The transition to fatherhood often involves both positive experiences and a range of new stresses,” a co-author of the study said. “Many cherish the intimate moments with their child, whilst at the same time the relationship with their partner may be affected and sleep quality may deteriorate, which can contribute to an increased risk of mental ill-health.”

Researchers analysed data from nearly 1.1 million fathers whose children were born between 2003 and 2021. New psychiatric diagnoses among these men were tracked from one year before pregnancy through the child’s first year of life.

The study found that psychiatric diagnoses were less common during pregnancy and in the early months after birth compared with the year before pregnancy.

However, diagnoses for psychiatric disorders such as depression and stress-related conditions in fathers increased by more than 30 per cent toward the end of the child’s first year.

Researchers noted that the findings may actually underestimate the problem because the study only examined clinical diagnoses, meaning many men experiencing symptoms may not have sought medical care.

The lead researcher said the delayed rise in depression was unexpected and highlighted the importance of recognising warning signs of mental health struggles in fathers long after the birth of their child.