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Father's mental health affects children

Fathers' mental health problems may take a toll on their children's psychological well being, particularly that of their sons.

Fathers mental health affects children

Fathers' mental health problems may take a toll on their children's psychological well being, particularly that of their sons.

Researchers from United Kingdom reviewed the findings on paternal psychiatric disorder and their effects on children's psychological development. Psychiatric conditions like depression, drug or alcohol addiction, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were measured in participants.

An estimated 3 percent to 6 percent of men suffer from depression and when fathers had psychiatric disorders then their children were at risk of mental health problems, it was found. Boys seemed particularly vulnerable to their fathers' depression. Sons of alcoholic fathers were at risk of behavioural problems and substance abuse.

The findings may not sound surprising, but they shed light on the ways in which fathers' mental well being affects their children. Similarly, when fathers suffered from anxiety disorders like PTSD, substance abuse or bipolar disorder, their children were at risk of developing the same conditions or other emotional and behavioural issues. Furthermore, young children whose fathers become depressed soon after their birth (a paternal form of postpartum depression) had higher rates of emotional and behavioural problems.
 
According to the researchers, the reasons were likely to involve genetic susceptibility, as well as the effect of the environment and one's upbringing. Fathers in poor mental health are, for example, unable to give their children the emotional support they need. They may also be unable to financially support the family, which creates another set of difficulties.

The researchers concluded that improvement in the fathers' mental health may be necessary to improve their children's well-being and life.
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