New research suggests a father's mental health problems could take a toll on their children's psychological well-being, particularly that of their sons.

The review, published online by The Lancet medical journal found that when fathers had psychiatric conditions like major depression, drug or alcohol problems or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), their children were at increased risk of mental health problems. The study also found that boys were particularly vulnerable to the effects of their father's depression. Sons of alcoholic fathers were at increased risk of serious behavioral problems and substance abuse.

According to the researchers the ways in which fathers' mental well-being affects their children has been much less studied than the role of mothers' mental health.

"I think the main message is that mental health problems affecting fathers are more important, partly because of the impact on the men themselves, but also because they can impact on families, including children," said lead researchers Dr. Paul Ramchandani of Oxford University.

Men are generally less likely than women to seek help for their mental health problems, but it is important that they do so, said Ramchandani.

An estimated three to six percent of men suffer from major depression. In their review, the researchers found that when fathers are affected, their teenage children are at higher-than-average risk of depression and suicidal behavior.

Furthermore, young children whose fathers become depressed soon after their birth, a paternal form of postpartum depression, have higher rates of emotional and behavioral problems. The reasons are likely to involve genetic susceptibility, as well as environment and upbringing, according to the researchers.

Fathers in poor mental health may not, for example, be able to give their children the emotional support they need. They may also be unable to financially support the family, which creates another set of difficulties, the researchers point out.

The bottom line, the researchers ay is that addressing fathers' psychiatric problems may help the family as well.