Mental Health during fatherhoood. Biopsychosocial aspects and questionnaire for depression PHQ9

Abstract

Introduction

Both women and men experience potentially stressful events during their reproductive periods and both are at risk of developing peripartum depression. Men have a reproductive period that is difficult to define, and research on their mental health has rarely considered the effects of paternity. A prevalence of postpartum depressive symptomatology of 10.4% has been described worldwide (Paulson J et al. 2010). Paternal depression is also a risk factor for peripartum maternal depression (Escribá et al, 2011; Paulson et al., 2016). Among the risk factors for developing postpartum depression in men are identified: personal history of depression, conflictive relationship, lack of family and social support, unemployment, older age, lower educational level, and the father’s ability to support his new role as a father (Morse et al., 2000).

Objectives

Screening to investigate and identify early objective biomarkers in recent fathers of early depression.

Methods

An anonymous survey is carried out through GoogleForms, to 57 men, fathers, with children born alive under 1 year of age, which includes biopsychosocial aspects and a questionnaire for depression: PHQ9.

Results

Of the total of 57 parents, the average age is 36 years. 4 of them are unemployed, 1 is a student, the rest have active work or parent´s licency. Only 10% refer to present economic problems. 36% reported that their partner had a risky pregnancy and 22% had a peripartum complication. 9% describe an unsatisfactory or very unsatisfactory relationship with the mother of their child(ren). 51% have a personal and/or family history of depression and/or anxiety. 57% are overwhelmed in their role as fathers. 33% feel they have little or no social/emotional support. 5% have increased the consumption of alcohol/psychotropic medication and 94% report that their sleep pattern has been affected. 3.5% refer self-injurious thoughts or that they would be better off dead. 14% have considered requesting/consulting with a psychiatrist/psychologist since the arrival of the baby.

In relation to PHQ 9, 5% present moderate/severe depression.

Conclusions

In conclusion, it seems relevant to think about a screening to investigate and identify early objective biomarkers and rapid intervention, not only in mothers but also in fathers and thus take a first step to broaden the view from the mother-child dyad to the triad, thus understanding that mental health does not exist in isolation, it is a contextual and relational phenomenon and also reduce the negative impact of this problem, such as: dysfunction and family well-being, marital satisfaction, growth and development of your child/ren . In this context, primary care health professionals (midwives and primary care doctors) could play a fundamental role in recognizing the importance of incorporating parents as relevant figures in health .

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared