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15th Apr 2015

Babies with sad Dads could have behavioural issues as toddlers

Dads suffer from the Baby Blues too

Katie Mythen-Lynch

Babies whose fathers are depressed when they are born are more likely to experience behavioural difficulties at the age of three, according to the latest research.

A study of 199 couples found that both maternal and paternal depression in the postpartum period set the stage for future parental depression and interparental conflict, which indirectly led to increased anxiety and aggressive behaviours in children.

One in ten Irish men suffer from post-natal depression, however while much information is available about postnatal depression in women, the fact that men can suffer too is not as well known.