The Lindsay Clancy Case and What To Know About Postpartum Psychosis

A heartbreaking case making national headlines has reignited an important conversation about postpartum mental health. In this special bonus episode, Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney are joined by psychiatrist Dr. Stacy Cohen to break down the critical differences between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis: a rare but life-threatening psychiatric emergency.

Together, they explain the warning signs every parent, partner, and loved one should know, discuss how these conditions are diagnosed and treated, and share why early intervention can save lives. They also explore the stigma surrounding maternal mental health, the safety of treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the hope available for women and families navigating postpartum challenges.

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What You’ll Learn

• The difference between postpartum blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis
• Why postpartum psychosis is considered a psychiatric emergency
• The symptoms families, partners, and physicians should recognize immediately
• Risk factors associated with postpartum psychosis
• How postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are treated differently
• The role of medications, psychotherapy, TMS, ketamine therapy, and newer treatment options
• Why seeking help early can make a life-saving difference

Key Timestamps

00:00 The Case That Shocked The Nation: Postpartum Psychosis

01:10 Postpartum Psychosis vs Postpartum Depression Explained

03:22 Who Is At Risk And When It Becomes An Emergency

07:01 How Postpartum Psychosis And Depression Are Treated

09:18 What To Do If You Think Someone Has Postpartum Psychosis

11:12 Treatment Options For Postpartum Depression

15:19 You Are Not Alone: Resources And Final Words From Dr. Stacy Cohen

Key Takeaways

• Postpartum psychosis affects approximately 1 in 1,000 women after childbirth and requires immediate emergency psychiatric care.
• Unlike postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis can include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and a loss of contact with reality.
• Postpartum depression is much more common and is often successfully treated with therapy, antidepressants, and strong support systems.
• Families and loved ones play a vital role in recognizing warning signs and getting emergency help when necessary.
• Mental health treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding is often safer than leaving depression untreated, and many effective options are available.

Guest Bio: Dr. Stacy Cohen

Dr. Stacy Cohen is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health, perinatal psychiatry, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. She works closely with patients during pregnancy and the postpartum period, helping families navigate conditions including postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. In this episode, she explains the science behind postpartum psychiatric illnesses, discusses evidence-based treatments, and shares practical guidance on recognizing when immediate medical intervention is needed.

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