In recent years, obstetricians and pediatricians began screening all new mothers for signs of postpartum depression (PPD) at their first appointments following the birth of a baby.
However, the idea that new fathers also can experience PPD has been largely overlooked, and research on the issue is limited. Yet it is not uncommon for new dads to show signs of paternal PPD, and their symptoms often go undiagnosed.
Learn more about postpartum depression in fathers.
Symptoms of Depression Often Overlooked in Dads
Although there is limited research on paternal postpartum depression, research indicates PPD is a problem for both men and women.
The prevalence of paternal PPD is 9.76% during the prenatal period and 8.75% in the postnatal period, according to a 2024 meta-analysis from The Journal of Clinical Medicine. However, the rates vary by country.
Eydie Moses-Kolko, MD, a psychiatrist in the Behavioral Health Clinic at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, says she often encounters men who exhibit symptoms of depression.
Dr. Moses-Kolko sees new moms with PPD in her practice. She runs the New and Expectant Mothers Specialized Treatment (NEST) program, an intensive outpatient treatment program for women who are pregnant and up to one year postpartum. Many NEST patients have had a history of depression before or during their pregnancies, which puts them at higher risk of PPD.
“Of the new moms I see in the NEST program, at least half of their male partners show signs of depression or other mental health problems,” Dr. Moses-Kolko says. “Because the focus of the follow-up appointments is on the mom and baby, and because new dads’ symptoms of depression may not be recognized for what they are, we may be missing a lot more men who have paternal PPD.”
Making the diagnosis harder is the fact that men often are raised to downplay emotions in a culture of masculinity, so they may not admit that that are dealing with depression issues. Many men also are not as in touch with their feelings as their partners and sometimes can’t identify exactly what is wrong. Further, many men either don’t report these feelings to their primary care providers or don’t seek help for them at all.
Bringing home a new baby is a stressful life event that changes the dynamics of a household and affects everyone in it. The nature of relationships — between the partners and with their own parents, other children, work colleagues, and even friends — changes dramatically.
Other factors add to the emotional and social upheaval of a new baby, including:
- Caring for a sick or premature baby.
- Financial worries.
- Maternal depression.
- Returning to work.
- Sleep deprivation.
Symptoms of Paternal PPD
Although symptoms of PPD for new moms and new dads often are similar, they reveal themselves in different ways. The common symptoms of PPD are:
- Changes in appetite.
- Depressed mood.
- Feelings of guilt.
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Lack of interest in things.
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
- Low energy.
- Low sex drive.
- Poor concentration.
- Restlessness.
- Suicidal ideation.
How those symptoms are expressed by new dads differs from new moms.
“There are definitely gender-based nuances in how men and women express signs of depression,” Dr. Moses-Kolko says. “While women may be emotional and upset, men may get angry or avoid the situation by working more or using alcohol and substances.”
Expressions that might signal PPD in men include:
- Aggression or anger, such as flying off the handle more easily.
- Anxiety, stress, or inability to relax.
- Considering self-harm.
- Increased alcohol or drug use to escape from stress.
- Emotional absence, such as not paying attention or being present in the moment.
- Occasional violence, such as punching a wall.
- Physical absence or avoidance, such as working long hours or staying away from home.
The Importance of Treatment
If you recognize any of these symptoms or expressions in yourself or your partner, don’t ignore it.
Call your PCP to describe what you’re feeling. Individual and group therapy can be very effective in helping dads deal with paternal PPD.
“Men-only support groups are a helpful way for dads to talk about what they’re experiencing in a nonjudgmental environment,” Dr. Moses-Kolko says. “Reaching out for support by cashing in on favors offered by friends and family members — such as childcare, cleaning, providing meals — also is beneficial in giving new dads extra time to focus on their self-care and strengthening their relationship with their spouse.”
Taking steps to improve their mental health is not only important for new dads. Studies show that their children are likely to have better short-term and long-term emotional development and mental health outcomes, as well. A 2025 study in JAMA Pediatrics reported that perinatal mental distress in fathers affected their child’s cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional development.
“Studies have shown an association between a father’s PPD and their infant’s difficult temperament,” Dr. Moses-Kolko says. “Older children of dads with PPD showed increased signs of internalizing, such as anxiety and stomachaches, and externalizing, such as acting out or defiance. Once these children hit adolescence and early adulthood, they themselves had higher rates of depression and increased incidence of running away and other problem behaviors.”
The evidence is clear that dads’ mental health has important implications on the lives and mental health of their children. More research on paternal PPD and better screening to detect it is needed and may be on the horizon as awareness of the issue increases.
For more information, visit the UPMC Magee Behavioral Health website.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .