Study warns of depression risk for fathers

The risk of depression among fathers before and after the birth of their children is more common than previously thought, New Zealand researchers said on Thursday.

The University of Auckland study found that expectant fathers were at risk if they felt stressed or were in poor health, and elevated depression symptoms following their child's birth were linked to social and relationship problems.

The study investigated depression symptoms in more than 3,500 New Zealand men during the third trimester of their partner's pregnancy and again nine months after their child's birth.