Researchers at the Medical Research Council (MRC) found that the highest rates of depression were in the first year after birth as many fathers struggle to cope with lack of sleep, their new responsibilities and changes in their relationship with their partner.

The study found that a third of mothers experience depression before their child is 12 years old. The prevalence of depression during the first year after birth was also far greater among women. While one in 28 fathers was depressed during this early stage of parenthood this rose to one in seven among mothers.

The MRC and the Fatherhood Institute are calling for better screening for depression among fathers.

Professor Irwin Nazareth, director of the MRC General Practice Research Framework and lead author of the study, said: "It is standard clinical practice to screen new mothers for depression, but currently no equivalent scheme exists for fathers. Our research shows dads are in great need too."

Rob Williams, chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute, said: "We want to see health visitors and GPs screening fathers for depression as well as mothers, particularly when the mother is depressed since it’s much more likely that the father will be depressed too."