Study says new dads just as likely to suffer from postnatal depression as moms

A study from the Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology says dads, especially younger ones, are just as likely to suffer from postnatal depression as moms during a new baby's first year.

The study was done in Australia and tracked the mental health of dads during three periods of their child's growth – the first three to 12 months, two to three years old and four to five years old.

The study found 9.7 percent of dads suffered from depression during that first year, compared to the 9.4 percent rate for moms.

The depression was aggravated by changes in lifestyle, such as sleeping patterns, relationships and self-identity.

The study suggests that dads should be monitored and screened for postnatal depression just as new moms are.