Yes, fathers can evolve postpartum depression. The disease is less common in mothers, but about 10.4% of fathers experience it after birth depression within a month after birth. The highest rate is three to six months after birth, when the incidence increases to 25.6% (Paulson, 2020).
In one study, the rate of postpartum depression among gay fathers who had a baby via surrogate was 12% (Adler, 2020).
Sometimes both mom and dad are depressed at the same time pregnancy and after birth. Research has shown that in 3.18% of couples, both parents may experience perinatal depression at the same time (Smythe, 2022).
Hypothetical case:
Robert was a high school math teacher who was 29 years old when his wife became pregnant with their first child. The ultrasound showed that they were having a boy.
Although Robert was happy about the pregnancy, he periodically worried about his ability to be a good father. His own father had little contact with him during his time childhoodand realized that he does not have a good example in this work.
Robert had risk factors for developing postpartum depression, including a personal history of depression as a college student. marriageand anxiety about his wife’s pregnancy.
Neither she nor her husband had symptoms of depression during pregnancy. His wife had the “baby blues” a week and a half after giving birth, but was never discouraged.
After the baby was born, Robert tried to get involved in her care. His wife was happy that Robert wanted to help, but she didn’t think he was skilled enough to change diapers, bottle feed him, and soothe him when he cried. As a result, Robert stopped caring for the baby, and about three months after the birth, his mood and behavior changed.
His wife noticed that he was nervous, started drinking beer every night, was self-absorbed and acted impulsively. She realized something was wrong and encouraged him to “see someone.” Her family doctor recommended that she see a therapist who has experience treating postpartum depression.
She saw a therapist who recognized postpartum depression, which was commonly presented in men. He responded well to interpersonal relationships psychotherapyand his depression was overcome.
Postpartum depression in fathers
Postpartum depression “may involve behaviors in men that are not usually identified as symptoms of depression” (Gedzik-Nieman, 2021). Depressed men are more likely than women to use aggression, “abnormal behaviors, and problem-solving strategies, including alcohol or other substance abuse, to take risks and poor impulse control” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
What are the risk factors for fathers? “Evidence shows an association between father’s employment, mental health, mother’s history of mental illness, first pregnancy, marital relationship, and father’s postpartum depression” (Wang, 2021). Another risk factor is a man’s previous history of depression.
In addition, men usually experience a decrease testosterone levels during a woman’s pregnancy (Rilling, 2025). Low testosterone levels in men may contribute to a higher risk of depression.
Postpartum depression in fathers can have a negative impact on both mother and child. For example, it can cause impairment connect with a child (Keratis, 2026). There is also evidence that postpartum depression in fathers can “increase the risk of future mental health problems for both mother and child” (Dachew, 2023).
Wainwright and colleagues found that “paternal postpartum depression is a risk factor for poor quality of life, poor physical and mental health, and developmental and relational damage in the father-mother-child triad” (Wainwright, 2023).
Given the potential harms, it makes sense for fathers to be as vulnerable to postpartum depression as mothers are now. A Swedish study found that screening fathers for postpartum depression resulted in “lower costs and greater health effects” (Asper, 2028).
Important books on postpartum depression
Adoptive parents may also experience depression within 12 months of adoption (Gedzik-Nieman, 2021).
Treatment
Cognitive behavior CBT is a good treatment for depression, including postpartum depression. Another recommended treatment option is interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), which has been identified as an effective treatment for postpartum depression (O’Hara, 2000). IPT includes a treatment approach for role transitions, such as becoming a parent.
Antidepressants can also be used to treat postpartum depression. However, at least one survey found that men preferred psychotherapy medicine for the treatment of postpartum depression (Cameron, 2017).
Conclusion
Postpartum depression in fathers is real and affects a large number of fathers. It has negative effects on father, mother and child. Screening for postpartum depression in fathers is important and yet underutilized.
