BeginnerSleuther
Verified Physician
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PPD can be influenced by outside factors like you stated. But PPS is purely biological, per evidence based science. That said, we are always learning new things about the human body and human condition. PPD and PPS are relatively new on the radar (as is mental health in general) so there’s lots of room for new discoveries. After all, this is why a physician “practices” medicine . Hehe, sorry doc (can’t recall your screen name at the moment, on phone so can’t easily look), had to say it!
All kidding aside (and I really shouldn’t be kidding at all here), this is a tragic and heartbreaking event. I believe they were absolutely doing everything they could. But I am curious why she was left alone with the kids at all. Someone mentioned earlier how he (dad) had to sleep sometime, so what then? That’s an excellent point. So is it inpatient vs. at home with family? Obviously, if doing harm to her children was a known risk, someone somewhere somehow would’ve made sure she stayed inpatient. Yet I blame no one, not even her. She broke and did something that was completely out of control as far as we know. I pray for peace, healing and forgiveness for everyone whose lives this family has touched; most of all dad, immediate family and Lindsay.
Edited to add: one thought that keeps repeating itself in my mind is that I hope and pray these kids had no idea what was happening to them or each other. I hope their last thoughts weren’t of their mommy hurting them, and I hope they didn’t die watching their mommy hurt their siblings. It’s just so incredibly sad.
Does Massachusetts have anything like a CA 5150 or FL Baker Act where someone can be involuntarily placed on a psych hold if they are believed to be a danger to others or themselves?
Yes it is "practicing" medicine in many respects
Even if someone is psychotic, it doesn't mean they're a danger to themselves or others. The father likely didn't realize how ill she was. Yes, MA has involuntary commitment, but you don't meet the criteria (in any state) just because you're psychotic. Many patients live with chronic psychosis and have never hurt a fly. We don't yet know the difference between their psychosis and the psychosis that cause some to harm others, including their children.