Paternal depression linked to subsequent offspring depression

Children who are exposed to paternal depression are at increased risk of depression, as shown in a study.

For the study, researchers conducted a systematic review of observational studies in which the association between paternal and offspring depression was examined. They searched multiple online databases and initially identified 10,606 studies.

Of the studies, 16 (14 and 2 cross-sectional) were included in the meta-analysis. The combined sample population was 7,153,723 father-child dyads. Except for one, all studies were conducted in high-income countries, including those in Europe (n=8), in the US (n=6), and Australia (n=1).

Pooled data showed that paternal depression was associated with 42-percent greater odds of depression in offspring (odds ratio [OR], 1.42, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.17–1.71). The odds were especially higher among offspring exposed to paternal depressive disorders (OR, 1.65, 95 percent CI, 1.28–2.12) than among those exposed to depression as defined by a nonclinical symptom scale (OR, 1.12, 95 percent CI, 1.06–1.19).

The association was robust to sensitivity analysis, with pooled estimates ranging from 1.35 (95 percent CI, 1.12–1.62) to 1.45 (95 percent CI, 1.18–1.78).

The findings highlight the need to address maternal and paternal mental health issues using a family-focused approach rather than the conventional gender-focused approach in order to reduce the adverse effects on offspring mental health and cognitive development.