Lindsay Clancy trial highlights gaps in postpartum psychosis research, experts say
Murder trial underscores how misunderstood postpartum illness is to experts and the general public, advocates say
TL;DR
- Postpartum psychosis is a severe psychiatric illness estimated to affect 1-2 per 1,000 women after delivery.
- The Lindsay Clancy trial has brought attention to postpartum psychosis, with her defense arguing she suffered from it.
- Advocates and experts are pushing for the inclusion of postpartum psychosis in the DSM-V to improve research and care.
- Challenges exist in adding new diagnoses to the DSM, requiring rigorous scientific evaluation.
- Absence from the DSM hinders research funding, provider education, and closing gaps in care.
- Postpartum psychosis is treatable with therapies like lithium and electroconvulsive therapy.
- Historical cases, such as Andrea Yates, also brought postpartum psychosis to public attention.