Overview

• A JAMA Pediatrics review of 84 studies found fathers’ depression, anxiety or stress from conception to two years postpartum is associated with lower cognitive, social-emotional, language and physical development in children.
• The link between paternal mental distress and child outcomes was stronger after birth than before conception, suggesting fathers’ postnatal well-being has a direct impact on development.
• Perinatal mental distress among fathers reached up to 8% for clinical depression, 11% for anxiety and 6%–9% for elevated stress in the analyzed studies.
• Commentators from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital recommend routine screening for paternal depression and anxiety during perinatal health visits, modeled on maternal screening programs.
• Public health initiatives like the PRAMS for Dads survey are being expanded across states to monitor fathers’ mental health and guide targeted support.