Depressed dads more likely to spank, shortchange kids

Depressed dads are more likely to shortchange their children and use physical punishment, even on tots who are still crawling, new research suggests.

The significance of depression in new dads has gained attention in recent years, as experts recognize a father’s mental health can affect child development and well-being. Symptoms of depression vary but can include deep sadness, weight loss or gain, difficulty concentrating, frequent fatigue and insomnia, reduced sex drive, chronic irritability and frustration, feelings of guilt or worthlessness and loss of interest in activities once thought pleasurable. Other possible symptoms include thoughts of death or unexplained physical problems, such as headaches or backaches.

The study is published online March 14 in the journal Pediatrics