EXPECTANT fathers should be screened for depression after a study revealed thousands may be suffering in silence, experts say.
Researchers found 23 in every 1,000 dads-to-be had an unusually low mood in the final three month of their partner’s pregnancy.
And 43 in 1,000 reported similar feelings nine months after the birth.
Kids born to dads with paternal depression are more likely to suffer from emotional and behavioural problems.
Blokes were more likely to become depressed after the delivery if they were no longer in a relationship with the mum, were unemployed or in poor health.
Factors that increased the risk of prenatal depression included high levels of stress or poor health.
There are around 700,000 births a year in the UK, meaning some 16,000 men may be suffering from prenatal depression, and 30,000 from postnatal.
Academics from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, quizzed 3,523 men for the study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.
They ranged in age from 16 to 63-year-old.
Expectant mums and dads both experience changes to their hormone levels and brain structure but women are more likely to suffer from depression.
Many new dads experience increased stress and anxiety before and after the birth of their baby, some will suffer from antenatal and postnatal depressionAbigail Wood
Study leader Dr Lisa Underwood said: “Antenatal and postnatal depression are known to be common and associated with poor outcomes for women and their children.
“There is little evidence on depression symptoms among men during the perinatal period.
“Only relatively recently has the influence of fathers on children been recognised as vital for adaptive psychosocial and cognitive development.
“Given that paternal depression can have direct or indirect effects on children, it is important to recognise and treat symptoms among fathers early.
“The first step in doing that is arguably increasing awareness among fathers about the increased risks.”
She added: “Screening needs to be targeted at all fathers.
BABY BRAINGPs must quiz ALL new mums on sleep and eating habits to spot earliest signs of post-natal depression
TALK ABOUT ITDepressed men who don't see a therapist regularly 'are likely to turn to sex or porn - while women comfort eat'
'MY MUM SAVED ME'Stacey Solomon recounts moment she realised she was suffering from post-natal depression
“Discussing the risks of depression with expectant mothers and fathers would provide information about where to seek help and social support should one of them develop symptoms.”
Abigail Wood, from the National Childbirth Trust, said: “Many new dads experience increased stress and anxiety before and after the birth of their baby, some will suffer from antenatal and postnatal depression.
“Dads tell us that mental health is something they worry about before and after the birth of their children.
“Our own research found that one in three new fathers are concerned about their mental health.
“For mums and dads, pregnancy is often is one of the happiest times of their lives but it’s a huge change and the total transformation can cause stress, anxiety and prenatal depression.
“New dads who suffer from antenatal and postnatal depression can feel like they’re all alone at what can be one of the happiest times of their lives.
“If any dads are worried about their mental health it’s important that they know they’re not alone, help is out there and they should talk to their GP or a mental health specialist.”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at email@example.com or call 0207 782 4368