The objective of this review was to appraise and summarise the best available literature on paternal postpartum depression (PPD) in new fathers. / This review has determined that new fathers can suffer depression, distress and anxiety in relation to pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. The transition to fatherhood appeared to have a profound effect on many new fathers. Difficulties within the relationship, a history of depression and postnatal depression in the spouse were more likely to facilitate depression in fathers. Health care professionals play a pivotal role in recognising symptoms associated with PPD and can promote greater awareness of the condition through education. The Edinburgh Depression Scale as an assessment instrument to detect symptoms of postnatal depression (PND) in women has been found to be equally effective in detecting the symptoms of depression in fathers. Available, current literature on PPD is sparse and recommendations are made for continued research on PPD in new fathers, inclusion of awareness programmes on PPD in antenatal education and the development of an assessment tool similar to the EPDS that is gender specific for the routine assessment of new fathers. / Thesis (MMidwifery)--University of South Australia, 2005.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/267302 |
| Creators | Bria, Karina. |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | copyright under review |
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