Warning: This story contains distressing details and discussion of attempted suicide.
Last month, before Lindsay Clancy killed her three children, she confided in her mother and former husband about thoughts of harming them. Her mother, Paula Musgrove, testified that Clancy claimed it was “not her” and that she had never acted that way before. Clancy does not deny the killings but has pleaded not guilty, citing postpartum psychosis as her defense.
The court case highlights symptoms Clancy reportedly experienced after the birth of her third child, including hallucinations and delusional thoughts. A clinical psychologist, Paul Zeizel, testified that “she was unable to conform her behavior to the rules of law and had no appreciation for the wrongfulness of her act.” Prosecutors argue she deliberately murdered her five‑year‑old daughter Cora, three‑year‑old son Dawson, and eight‑month‑old son Callan. The defense points to the rare 1-4% rate of mothers harming their children when suffering from postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum psychosis can manifest as mania, depression, or a combination, sometimes causing extreme psychotic symptoms that may lead to harm. Experts emphasize that the disorder is unclassed in the DSM‑5, limiting research, insurance coverage, and clinical training. The case has sparked a call to add the condition to the DSM‑5 to improve awareness, funding, and treatment options.
Treatment typically involves medication such as lithium, antipsychotics, or electroconvulsive therapy, and often requires psychiatric hospitalization. In one documented instance, a patient named Meghan Cliffel received an ECT, therapy and a year of lithium and was able to go on to have another child. Experts recommend proactive support for all new parents to recognize early signs of maternal mental illness and seek help before escalation.
