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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Stacy Cohen, MD is a double board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She completed her residency at the University of Chicago and Rush University where she served as Chief of Women’s Health and her fellowship at UCLA Medical Center.

Drawing on her background as a surgeon, artist, and healer, Dr. Cohen integrates rigorous Western medical training with a whole-person approach. Her work focuses on “rewiring” the nervous system to align the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual self. By targeting the subconscious and addressing mental health from biological, psychological, social, and spiritual perspectives, she helps patients build resilience, strength, and lasting recovery.

Frustrated by the fragmentation of outpatient mental health care, Dr. Cohen founded The Moment, a collaborative community of leading professionals dedicated to truly integrative treatment.

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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

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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

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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.

The Lindsay Clancy Case and What To Know About Postpartum Psychosis

About the Guest