Postnatal depression in men studied by Anglia Ruskin University psychologists
Psychologists from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) are carrying out important new research in order to help men who are suffering from paternal postnatal depression.
While maternal postnatal depression is widely researched, it is still common for symptoms in men to go undetected – despite it affecting an estimated one in 10 new fathers.
Caroline Estrella, a PhD researcher at ARU, said: “Postnatal depression has historically been viewed as a condition affecting new mothers, but more and more evidence has been emerging suggesting that fathers are similarly likely to have the condition.
“Research published earlier this year by academics from the University of Colorado examined data from 23 different studies, involving over 40,000 participants, and discovered the prevalence of postnatal anxiety to be almost 12% amongst fathers, showing men do struggle around the time their child is born.
“However, in order to better help fathers with postnatal depression, it is important for us to know exactly how men experience distress, the support networks that are available to them, and the type of help they feel they need.”
The researchers are currently carrying out online interviews with men who have struggled with postnatal depression.
To register interest or for further information, email Caroline Estrella at cje135@pgr.aru.ac.uk.
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