Paternal Depression and Risk of Depression Among Offspring
The importance of addressing maternal and paternal mental health issues using a family-focused approach to reduce the adverse effects on offspring mental health rather than the conventional gender- focused approach limited to maternal prenatal and postnatalmental health issues or individual treatment of the offspring is suggested.
Abstract
Key Points Question Is paternal depression associated with subsequent offspring depression? Findings In this systematic review and meta-analysis including 7 153 723 father-child dyads from 16 observational studies, paternal depression was associated with a 42% increased risk of depression in offspring. Meaning These findings suggest the importance of addressing maternal and paternal mental health issues using a family-focused approach to reduce the adverse effects on offspring mental health rather than the conventional gender-focused approach limited to maternal prenatal and postnatal mental health issues or individual treatment of the offspring.