What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis (not to be confused with postpartum depression) is a psychiatric emergency with symptoms that can be extreme and dangerous, as testified in the trial of Lindsay Clancy. Correspondent Faith Salie talks with experts about the symptoms, diagnosis and stigma surrounding postpartum psychosis; and with a mother whose experience of hallucinations and distorted reality soon after…
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental illness that affects some women after childbirth. It can cause symptoms such as mania, racing thoughts, psychosis, and depression with psychotic features. These symptoms occur within a few months of delivery and can be mistaken for postpartum depression. The illness can lead to extreme behavior, including suicide attempts and infanticide, although infanticide is extremely rare.
In the case of Lindsay Clancy, her undiagnosed postpartum psychosis made her legally insane, leading to the murder of her three children. Despite being known for thousands of years across various cultures, there are fewer than 10 research groups in the U.S. studying postpartum psychosis due to lack of funding and research. Experts hope that the tragic case of Lindsay Clancy will raise awareness about the illness and improve the legal system's handling of such cases.
Meghan Cliffel, who experienced postpartum psychosis, took Lithium prophylactically after her third child's birth to prevent recurrence.
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- What is postpartum psychosis? cbsnews.com
