Paternal postpartum depression: A reflection through a case report

Abstract

Fathers may also develop depressive symptoms in perinatal period, a condition known as paternal postpartum depression (PPD). Through an intriguing case report, we intend to reflect on PPD, emphasizing the symptomatology, risk factors, and early interventions.

We present a clinical case of a 42-year-old man observed in a psychiatry emergency in the context of a suicide attempt. He reported progressive depressive symptoms since the last trimester of his wife's last pregnancy. He could not recognize any precipitating factors besides the fear of not being a good father and husband. He also refused hospitalization but accepted treatment and follow-up.

This case highlights the need to focus on fathers' emotional well-being in the perinatal period, conduct further research on PPD and the creation of appropriate diagnostic tools to assess the symptomatology of depression in males. Screening programs and tools for maternal perinatal depression, follow-up, and intervention as necessary may be valuables strategies.