Postpartum psychosis spotlighted in Massachusetts triple-murder trial

A Massachusetts jury is hearing the case of Lindsay Clancy, who admitted to killing her three children before attempting suicide. Her defense argues that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe mental-health disorder that often goes undiagnosed.

Medical experts say the disorder affects roughly one to two per 1,000 births and is not listed as a separate diagnosis in the DSM, the primary manual used by clinicians. Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, a reproductive psychiatrist, warned that the lack of official recognition can prevent doctors from identifying the illness promptly.

Women who have experienced postpartum psychosis described rapid onset of paranoia, delusional thinking and extreme fear for themselves and their infants. One survivor, Meghan Cliffel, recounted a 2015 episode in which she believed strangers were plotting against her and her daughters, leading to a police intervention and a 12-day psychiatric hospitalization. After receiving a formal diagnosis and treatment with mood stabilizers, she reported significant improvement.

Experts highlighted that many clinicians receive little training on the condition, resulting in missed diagnoses. Dr. Veerle Bergink noted that “we don’t train our doctors in it, it’s massively missed.” The trial has also revived discussion of earlier high-profile cases, such as Andrea Yates, which prompted limited advances in research and public awareness.

Prosecutors contend that Clancy’s actions were premeditated, pointing to her history of psychiatric care, medication prescriptions and outpatient treatment. Several providers testified that while she expressed suicidal thoughts, they did not diagnose postpartum psychosis at the time.

Advocates hope the high-profile nature of the trial will spur greater education, research funding and systematic support for families affected by postpartum psychosis, rather than attention limited to isolated tragedies.