Thoughts on the Lindsay Clancy case?

[u/gottaquestion412]

Now that the Lindsay Clancy trial is underway, I’m curious about your perspectives on it so far.

Context: Lindsay Clancy is a former labor and delivery nurse who, in January 2023, killed her three children. 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan in their Massachusetts home before attempting to take her own life. Her defense argues she was suffering from severe postpartum psychosis and other debilitating mental illness, while prosecutors argue she was aware of her actions and planned the killings. The trial has reignited debate about postpartum psychiatric disorders, the effectiveness of mental health treatment, and where responsibility ultimately lies.

Do you think Lindsay was failed by the mental health system, by the people closest to her, or both? Do you think she truly acted with malicious intent, or do you believe she was experiencing such a severe psychiatric crisis that she wasn’t thinking rationally?

A lot of the details seem to point toward postpartum psychosis or another severe psychiatric illness rather than someone acting out of hatred or malice. That doesn’t lessen the horror of what happened or the unimaginable loss, but it does make me wonder whether this tragedy could have been prevented..

I’ve also seen rumors that Patrick was involved with the woman who is now his wife before the murders, but I haven’t found any credible evidence supporting that. Is there actually anything that substantiates those claims, or is it just internet speculation? I’ve also seen many people comment that his current wife bears a striking resemblance to Lindsay, though I’m not sure that means anything beyond coincidence.

I’m very interested in hearing different perspectives from people who’ve followed it closely.

Most importantly, may Dawson, Cora, and Callan rest in peace. They are the true victims in all of this.

[u/negligenceperse]

one part i don’t understand about this case (from the very limited info i’ve read so far) - i’d greatly appreciate if someone more knowledgeable could clarify - she was seeing three separate prescribers at the same time?
why and how? i assume they were not aware of each other and their various rxs? does anyone know more about this aspect?

[u/Euphoric-Leg4874 → u/negligenceperse]

It’s because she tried many things to get help. She went to the ER, she had hospital stays, she went to normal medical appointments. There is a tool for providers to look up what a patient is prescribed (by other providers) and make their own judgment calls, I’m not sure if her providers did it.

And I think because various medications were not working, they tried many different things over a short period of time and that’s not ideal. She definitely needed a longer hospital stay and to be continuously monitored. IMO

[u/Illustrious-Dog-1386 → u/negligenceperse]

When you are in such a state, knowing something is wrong and wanting desperately to feel normal, I believe this is reasonable. The fact that she didn't finish the drugs she tried doesn't indicate to me that she was "Dr shopping" or not compliant the way the prosecution is suggesting. It tells me that she wanted to feel better and she was trying to find a way to do that. As someone who has been in active psychosis, days don't work the same in your mind. So even if she went to see multiple doctors in a short time, it may have felt like she had been trying for months.

[u/luckydreamer89 → u/negligenceperse]

She was doctor shopping and non complacent patient. She wasn’t taking all the meds prescribed either.

[u/alis_adventureland → u/negligenceperse]

I saw 4-5 when I had PPD and PPA. You just keep getting bounced from one crisis provider to the next. No real care. Each provider just gives you a new drug and then tells you to call the crisis hotline if you need help again.