Clancy trial spotlights postpartum psychosis and the push for better care

Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial has brought postpartum psychosis—an often misunderstood postpartum condition involving mood disturbances, delusions and hallucinations—into sharper focus, with the defense claiming she was suffering from it. Experts note the illness is a medical emergency but remains under-recognized because it lacks formal DSM-5 classification, hindering awareness, research, and care. The case has reignited calls for standardized diagnosis, education for clinicians and families, and proactive treatment options (e.g., lithium, antipsychotics, ECT) to prevent future tragedies and improve support for mothers.