Prevalence of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Both Parents A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE New and expectant parents experience perinatal mood disorders, with consequences to parentingability, bonding with the neonate, interpersonal relationships, and health and well-being of parents. Research shows that maternal and paternal perinatal mood disorders are associated, but no recent systematic review has addressed the prevalence of perinatal mood disorders in both mothers and fathers (parental dyad). OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence of perinatal mood disorders in parental dyads and identify factors associated with perinatal mood disorders in parental dyads. DATA SOURCES Ovid (MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO) and Web of Science were searched from January 1, 1990, to June 8, 2021, for observational studies reporting on the prevalence of perinatal depression or anxiety in a parental dyad. STUDY SELECTION Studies reporting the prevalence of anxiety or depression in both members of a parental dyad were included, with diagnosis accordingto established criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fifth Edition], International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision) or use of validated screening tools. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Prevalence data were extracted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data were analyzed in subgroups: antenatal depression, early postnatal depression (0-12 weeks), late postnatal depression (3-12 months), and perinatal anxiety. Pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Quality assessment was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Data were analyzed in June 2021. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Prevalence of perinatal anxiety and perinatal depression in parental dyads. RESULTS Twenty-three studies were included, with data from 29 286 couples. The pooled prevalence of antenatal depression in both parents was 1.72% (95% CI, 0.96%-2.48%; P < .001). The prevalence of early postnatal depression (up to 12 weeks post partum) was 2.37% (95% CI, 1.66%3.08%; P < .001) and the prevalence of late postnatal depression (3.12 months post partum) was 3.18% (95% CI, 2.3-4.05; P < .001). Only 3 studies reported on perinatal anxiety in both parents, precluding a quantitative analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In up to 3.18% of couples, both parents may concurrently experience perinatal depression. Perinatal health care must consider the mental health needs of parents, both as individuals and as a parental dyad. Further research is needed to examine outcomes in families where both parents experience perinatal mood disorders.

Automated summary

Perinatal mood disorders have negative impacts on parenting, bonding, relationships, and the health and well-being of parents. The prevalence of perinatal mood disorders in both mothers and fathers is relatively high.