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(Ivanhoe Newswire) Everyone knows when mom suffers from a mental illness, her children suffer too.
British researchers who reviewed the medical literature on psychiatric problems in fathers suggest the same is true for dad. Their investigation shows paternal depression during the postnatal period doubles the likelihood of behavioral and emotional problems in children from 10 percent to nearly 20 percent. It also shows the risk for problems like depression and even suicidal behavior increases in teens with depressed fathers. Fathers suffering from alcoholism are more likely to have children with conduct disorder, substance abuse, mood disorders, depression, academic underachievement, low self-esteem, and relational difficulties. Finally, boys of depressed or alcoholic fathers may be more affected than girls.
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The authors believe these findings suggest a need for more study on the link between paternal psychiatric disorders and adverse outcomes in children.
In some children, the patterns of risk associated with paternal disorders are different from those associated with maternal disorders, with boys potentially at increased risk, they write. Additional focus on the mental health of fathers is likely not only to benefit them, but to create an opportunity to help improve the lives of their children.
SOURCE: The Lancet, published online May 3, 2009
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