Paternal Prenatal, Perinatal and Postpartum Depression: A narrative review

IntroductionPaternal depression has received very little attention relative to the research focused on maternal depression.This has happened despite its significant prevalence and its negative effects on the fathers themselves, the family relationships and the development of the offspring.This lesser attention likely relates to the lower prevalence of paternal versus maternal depression.In addition, greater concern about maternal depression may relate to the intrauterine environment effects on the fetus and the primary caregiving typically by the mother during the postpartum period.The increasing prevalence of paternal depression and its negative effects on the fathers themselves, the mothers and their offspring highlight the importance of ongoing reviews for both researchers, clinicians and parents.