Clancy trial: Nurse details medication struggles before children's deaths

A psychiatric nurse practitioner testified Tuesday about her treatment of Lindsay Clancy in the months before Clancy killed her three young children in January 2023.

Rebecca Jollotta, of South Shore Health Perinatal Behavior Health Program, said she exchanged regular messages with Clancy on a patient portal in late 2022. Their conversations focused on Clancy's trouble sleeping, depressive symptoms, and her search for the right medication combination.

Clancy expressed concerns about side effects and addiction. In a December message, she asked to switch from the antidepressant Remeron, saying she was having "very intrusive thoughts that I never had before." Jollotta encouraged her to give the medication more time, explaining that intrusive thoughts are common with postpartum depression and anxiety.

Jollotta suggested alternative treatments, including behavioral therapy, support groups, and meditation. She acknowledged that Clancy had the autonomy to decide whether to follow those recommendations.

During their visits, Clancy never spoke of a plan to harm herself or her children, and showed no signs of psychosis or mania. However, Jollotta acknowledged that Clancy did report suicidal thoughts. She also raised the possibility of underlying bipolar disorder due to Clancy's days without sleep, a suggestion Patrick Clancy denied.

In mid-December, Jollotta learned Clancy had her "worst day" with persistent intrusive thoughts of suicide. Jollotta recommended a higher level of care. Clancy was admitted to a Rhode Island program but discharged soon after, with advice to stop one antipsychotic medication.

Jollotta expressed concern about the discharge and about Clancy's desire to stop taking Seroquel. She agreed to a gradual dose reduction, warning that stopping could worsen mood and sleep.

Clancy, 36, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the deaths of her children, aged 8 months to 5 years. Prosecutors argue she intentionally killed them after sending her husband out of the house. Her defense says she was in the grip of postpartum psychosis and should not be held criminally responsible.