Peripartum depression - does it occur in fathers and does it matter?

This article reviews the evidence for the specific occurrence of depression in men following the birth of a child as illustrated by the case of a 36 year old first-time father. It further reviews ideas on the etiology of postpartum depression in fathers, and its impact on the family, concluding with a review of treatment options. Finally, a detailed discussion of the attempts at case resolution is given. Unfortunately, though perhaps not unexpectedly, this case failed to return for a follow-up visit and did not respond to efforts to contact him by phone.