Expecting moms often worry about the aftermath of having a child. Many women open up and discuss the harsh realities of postpartum depression, which comes usually days to weeks after the birth of a child.
Expecting moms often worry about the aftermath of having a child. Many women open up and discuss the harsh realities of postpartum depression, which comes usually days to weeks after the birth of a child.
Some moms feel withdrawn, unmotivated, and even uninterested in their newborn baby.
It can make parenthood rather difficult when moms feel so down and out.
Many research and doctors talk about depression that happens in new moms, but we hardly ever talk about emotional changes and mood differences in new dads.
Researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine decided to see just how many dads were screened for depression the way moms are after giving birth.
Mothers are often screened at six-weeks postpartum to analyze if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of depression.
The researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine found that when screened, 4.4 percent of new dads showed signs of depression.
This is close to the 5 percent of moms who showed signs, too.
Dr. Jennifer Ashton, the chief medical correspondent for ABC News claims that this showcases gender discrimination in medicine—but this time, towards men.
“We talk so much about gender discrimination in medicine and how women are often undiagnosed and undetected for the same disease or condition that men are. This is the opposite,” said Dr. Ashton.
“We don’t have our radar up to detect postpartum depression in men and we need to," Dr. Ashton claimed.
While the study brings up important information, the biggest takeaway is that moms and dads should both be screened at the given time.
h/t Jama Network