Yes, fathers can develop postpartum depression. The incidence is less than in mothers, but about 10.4% of fathers experience postpartum depression during the first month after delivery. The rate is highest three to six months postpartum, when the incidence rises as much as 25.6% (Paulson, 2020).

In one study, the incidence of apparent postpartum depression among gay fathers was 12% when the child was born through surrogacy (Adler, 2020).

Sometimes, both the mother and the father are depressed at the same time during pregnancy and postpartum. Research has found that in up to 3.18% of couples, both parents may concurrently experience perinatal depression (Smythe, 2022).

A Hypothetical Case:

Robert was a 29-year-old high school math teacher when his wife became pregnant with their first child Both parents were pleased. An ultrasound showed they were having a baby boy.

Although Robert was happy about the pregnancy, he periodically worried about his ability to be a good father. His own father had had minimal interaction with him during his childhood, and he realized he did not have a good role model for the job.

Robert had risk factors for developing postpartum depression, including a personal history of depression while he was a college student, some dissatisfaction with his marriage, and anxiety about his wife’s pregnancy.

Neither he nor his wife had depressive symptoms during the pregnancy. His wife had the “baby blues” for a week and a half after delivery, but she was never depressed.

After the baby’s birth, Robert tried to be involved in his care. His wife was pleased that Robert wanted to help, but she thought he was not skilled enough to do a good job of changing diapers, giving the baby bottled milk, and soothing him when he cried. Consequently, Robert stopped caring for the baby, and about three months after delivery, his mood and behavior changed.

His wife noticed that he had become irritable, began drinking beer every night, was withdrawn, and acted impulsively. She realized something was wrong and urged him to “see someone.” His family doctor recommended that he see a therapist with experience treating postpartum depression.

He saw a therapist who recognized postpartum depression, which presented in a way common to men. He responded well to interpersonal psychotherapy, and his depression resolved.

Postpartum Depression in Fathers

Postpartum depression “may present in men with behaviors not typically identified as depression symptoms” (Gedzyk-Nieman, 2021). Depressed men are more likely than women to experience irritability, “maladaptive self-coping and problem-solving strategies, including alcohol or other drug misuse, risk taking and poor impulse control” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

What are risk factors for fathers? “Evidence suggests a relationship between paternal employment, psychological status, history of maternal mental illness, first pregnancy, marital relationship, and paternal postpartum depression” (Wang, 2021). Another major risk factor is a prior history of depression in the man.

Also, men typically experience a decrease in testosterone levels during the woman’s pregnancy (Rilling, 2025). Lower testosterone levels in men can contribute to a higher risk of depression.

Postpartum depression in fathers can have significant negative effects on the mother and the baby. For example, it may result in impaired bonding with the baby (Keratis, 2026). There is also evidence that postpartum depression in fathers can “increase the risk for current and future mental health problems among both mother and children” (Dachew, 2023).

Wainwright and colleagues found that “paternal postpartum depression is a risk factor for worsened quality of life, poor physical and mental health, and developmental and relational harms in the father-mother-child triad” (Wainwright, 2023).

Given the potential harms, it makes sense for fathers to be screened for postpartum depression, just as mothers are now. A study in Sweden showed that screening fathers for postpartum depression produces “lower costs and higher health effects” (Asper, 2028).

Postpartum Depression Essential Reads

Adoptive parents can also experience depression within 12 months of adopting a baby (Gedzyk-Nieman, 2021).

Treatment

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-established treatment for depression, including postpartum depression. Another recommended therapy option is interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), which hss been found to be an efficacious treatment for postpartum depression (O’Hara, 2000). IPT has an approach for treating role transitions, such as becoming a parent.

Antidepressants can also be used to treat postpartum depression. However, at least one survey showed that men preferred psychotherapy to medication for treatment of postpartum depression (Cameron, 2017).

Conclusion

Postpartum depression in fathers is real and affects a substantial number of fathers. It has deleterious effects for the father, the mother, and the baby. Screening for postpartum depression in fathers is important and yet is underutilized.