Indeed, the postpartum distress manifestation is different between mothers and fathers, principal paternal PPD
symptoms, unlike female clinical picture, are angers attacks, affective rigidity, self - criticism, exhaustion, alcohol and drug abuse.14 Men can present also
somatic symptoms like indigestion, increased or decreased appetite, weight gain, diarrhea or constipation, headache, toothache, nausea and insomnia.13 Furthermore, the paternal PPD could begin over the first year postpartum, later than
maternal one.8
While several studies analyzed the impact of
maternal attachment insecurity on their children's psychological
symptoms (sleep disorders, behavior problems)(20, 21), few studies focused on the effect on children / adolescents»
somatic symptoms (22).
Although some authors explored the role of
maternal alexithymic traits on children's health, studies investigating the correlations between mothers» alexithymia and children's
somatic symptoms and pain are scarce.