The Lindsay Clancy trial is putting postpartum psychosis in the spotlight, but what is it?

As Lindsay Clancy’s trial draws attention to postpartum psychosis, we explain the symptoms, warning signs and where UK parents can get help.

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Published: August 19, 2026 at 9:30 PM

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The trial of US mum Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of killing her three young children, has put a rare but serious postnatal mental health condition firmly in the spotlight: postpartum psychosis.

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Clancy has pleaded not guilty to murder charges. She is not disputing that she killed her children, Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan, but her defence argues that she was experiencing postpartum psychosis at the time. Prosecutors allege that she intentionally killed the children.

The circumstances of the case are extremely distressing, but for parents hearing the term "postpartum psychosis" for the first time, it's important to separate the arguments being made in an individual criminal trial from what we know about the condition itself. Here's what NHS guidance says about postpartum psychosis, the symptoms to look out for and when to seek help.

What is postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health condition that can affect someone shortly after having a baby.

According to the NHS, postpartum psychosis affects around 1 in 1,000 mothers after giving birth. Although rare, it requires urgent medical attention.

The NHS describes postpartum psychosis as "a serious mental health illness that can affect someone soon after having a baby".

It isn't the same as the "baby blues", which can cause women to feel tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth. It's also different from postnatal depression, although there can be some overlap in symptoms.

What are the symptoms of postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis can develop very quickly. According to NHS guidance, symptoms usually begin suddenly within the first two weeks after giving birth, although they can, more rarely, develop several weeks after having a baby.

Symptoms listed by the NHS include:

One particularly important point for partners and family members is that someone experiencing postpartum psychosis may not recognise what is happening to them.

The NHS says: "People with postpartum psychosis may not realise they're ill."

That means a partner, relative or friend may be the first person to spot concerning changes in someone's behaviour and may need to help them access medical care.

How quickly can postpartum psychosis happen?

Unlike some postnatal mental health difficulties that may develop gradually, postpartum psychosis can come on suddenly.

The NHS says symptoms "usually start suddenly within the first 2 weeks after giving birth". More rarely, they can develop several weeks after the baby is born.

Because of how quickly symptoms can appear, the NHS says postpartum psychosis should always be treated as a medical emergency.

Who is most at risk of postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis can happen to women who have never experienced mental health problems before.

However, the NHS says some women have a higher risk of developing it. Risk factors include:

If you're pregnant and know you may be at increased risk, it's important to tell the healthcare professionals looking after you so appropriate support can be planned.

Can postpartum psychosis be treated?

Yes. While postpartum psychosis is a serious condition, people can and do recover.

The NHS says most people with postpartum psychosis make a full recovery with the right treatment, although recovery can take time.

Treatment depends on the individual and their symptoms. It can include:

Treatment will often involve a stay in hospital. Where possible, a woman may be admitted to a specialist Mother and Baby Unit (MBU), where she can receive treatment while remaining with her baby.

What should you do if you think someone has postpartum psychosis?

If you think you or someone you know may be experiencing postpartum psychosis, it's important to seek medical help urgently rather than waiting to see whether the symptoms improve.

NHS guidance advises asking for an urgent GP appointment or calling NHS 111 if you think someone may have symptoms of postpartum psychosis.

Because a person experiencing psychosis may not realise they're unwell, partners, friends and relatives may sometimes need to seek help on their behalf.

If you believe there is an imminent risk of someone harming themselves or somebody else, call 999 or go to A&E.

What parents should remember about postpartum psychosis

The allegations at the centre of the Lindsay Clancy trial are exceptionally distressing, and her defence's argument that she was experiencing postpartum psychosis should not lead parents to assume that the condition inevitably results in violence.

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health condition that needs urgent treatment. Most importantly, treatment is available and the NHS says most people make a full recovery.

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Knowing the warning signs, particularly sudden hallucinations, delusions, severe mood changes, confusion or significant changes in behaviour after having a baby, can help families recognise when something isn't right and get medical support quickly.

Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.

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