The Death of Margret Schlosser Postpartum Psychosis and

The Death of Margret Schlosser, Postpartum Psychosis and CIT Sergeant A. D. Paul, Plano PD Nicole Bowers, LCSW, Plano PD

This Presentation I. Case study of the Margret Schlosser Homicide II. Other Texas Cases III. Postpartum Psychosis/Depression IV. Building collaborations with LEOCIT/Families/Providers/CPS

The Commitment of Dena Schlosser � � � On January 9 th Dena Schlosser gives birth at home to Margret Schlosser. January 15, 2004, Welfare concern call. Dena Schlosser is APOWW after fleeing from her 5 year old child on a public sidewalk and being unresponsive to responding officers. Texas CPS is also referred after baby is found to be home alone.

Dena Schlosser Circumstances � � � Husband’s loss of job in Ft. Worth. Moved to new town (Plano) after job loss to be near church. Becomes estranged from friends and family (except for church). Had “baby blues” after births of first two children. Gives birth to third child at home with mid-wife and doesn’t sleep for three (3) days after birth and then just for few hours a night. Dena cuts wrist, but not reported by husband.

The Homicide • 911 Call

The Homicide � � � The response and crime scene. The Arrest. Prosecution & Trial ( ASSOCIATED PRESS : Mc. KINNEY, Tex. , April 7 (AP) — A woman charged with murder for cutting off her baby daughter's arms in what her lawyers portrayed as a religious frenzy was found not guilty by reason of insanity Friday by a judge. The woman, Dena Schlosser, 38, will be sent to a state mental hospital and held until she is no longer deemed a threat to herself or others. "My own expectation is that she will remain at the hospital for many, many years, " David Haynes, her lawyer, said

The Homicide Baby dies after mother allegedly severs arms - US news - Crime & courts | NBC News#. V 0 XN 2 KAo 674

The Church � The Word According to Doyle Davidson - D Magazine

Other Texas Cases ANDREA YATES ❑ Houston – June 20, 2001 • • • 37 y/o drowned her 5 children (Noah-7; John-5; Paul-3; Luke-1; Mary-infant) History of Postpartum Depression and Psychosis (treatment began 1999) Believed she was protecting them from Satan. NGRI; Rusk State Hospital. DEANNA LANEY ❑ Tyler (New Chapel Hill)– May 10, 2003 • • • 39 y/o Bludgeoned 3 sons with stones, killing two (8 y/o and 6 y/o) and seriously injuring the other (14 month old) Delusional Disorder, Grandiose Type Believed God told her to do it Laney was found NGRI; Vernon State Hospital Released May 2012

Other Texas Cases PADMAJA ENJETI Plano – November 2007 ❑ • • • 37 y/o; diagnosed with Psychotic Disorder, N. O. S. , in May 2007; December 2007 (after incident) diagnosed with Depression with Psychotic Features Called Plano PD and reported “I tried to kill her” Dropped her 1 -1/2 y/o daughter from the second floor onto hardwood floor 14 feet below, called the police and then did it a 2 nd time while on the phone with dispatchers 2008 jury found her guilty of attempted capital murder, aggravated assault and injury to a child Spent 3 years in prison under psychiatric care & was released in 2011 http: //www. wfaa. com/story/news/crime/2014/08/15/13810168/

The Postpartum Period � � ~ 85% of women experience some type of mood disturbance. Symptoms are typically mild and short-lived 10 to 15% of women develop more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety Postpartum psychiatric illness is typically divided into three categories: � I. Postpartum blues � II. Postpartum depression � III. Postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum Blues � � � ~50 to 85% of women experience postpartum blues during the first few weeks after delivery Most professionals consider this a normal experience following childbirth rather than a psychiatric illness. Rather than feelings of sadness, women with the blues more commonly report � mood dysregulation � tearfulness � anxiety or irritability � These symptoms typically peak on the 4 th or 5 th day after delivery; may last for a few hours or a few days, typically remitting spontaneously within 2 weeks of delivery.

Postpartum Depression � � � PPD typically emerges over the first 2 -3 postpartum months but may occur at any point after delivery. Some women actually note the onset of milder depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Postpartum depression is clinically indistinguishable from depression occurring at other times during a woman’s life.

Postpartum Depression The symptoms of postpartum depression include: � Depressed or sad mood � Tearfulness � Loss of interest in usual activities � Feelings of guilt � Feelings of worthlessness or incompetence � Fatigue � Sleep disturbance � Change in appetite � Poor concentration � Suicidal thoughts

Postpartum Psychosis ➢ ➢ Is a rare event that occurs in approximately 12/1000 women after childbirth. Its presentation is often dramatic, with onset of symptoms as early as the first 48 to 72 hours after delivery. The majority of women develop symptoms within the first 2 postpartum weeks. 5% will commit suicide; 4% will commit infanticide

Postpartum Psychosis cont. � � � � Symptoms most closely resemble those of a rapidly evolving manic (or mixed) episode; high mood, racing thoughts Depression Severe confusion Loss of inhibition Delusional beliefs are common and often center on the infant. Auditory hallucinations that instruct the mother to harm herself or her infant may also occur. Risk for infanticide, as well as suicide is significant in this population.

“When the Bough Breaks” � � Angela Thompson Sonia Hermosillo

Child Protection Services � � TEXAS FAMILY CODE SUBTITLE E. PROTECTION OF THE CHILD ABUSE: D) failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent an action by another person that results in physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child;

Child Protection Services � Neglect - placing a child in or failing to remove a child from a situation that a reasonable person would realize requires judgment or actions beyond the child's level of maturity, physical condition, or mental abilities and that results in bodily injury or a substantial risk of immediate harm to the child;

CIT Resources � � Postpartum Support International Children’s Advocacy Centers… � Under one roof they house law enforcement (e. g. , Family Violence Units) , Child Protective Services, therapists, caseworkers, interns, nurses and volunteers. Additionally, they work hand-in-hand with the District Attorney’s office to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. � � Plano Police Department Mental Health Coordinator. Houston Police Department Mental Health Division

HB 2466 � � � Passed in 2017 Texas legislative session Postpartum screenings by pediatrician during well -baby appointment Payable by Medicaid

Bottom Line Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency and requires long term attention and follow-up to ensure the safety of the mother and child.

Contact Us A. D. PAUL SERGEANT PLANO POLICE DEPARTMENT APAUL@PLANO. GOV OFFICE: 214 -728 -6433 NICOLE BOWERS, LCSW MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATOR PLANO POLICE DEPARTMENT NICOLEB@PLANO. GOV OFFICE: 972 -941 -2292 REBECCA SKILLERN, M. A. , LPC-S POLICE OFFICER/INSTRUCTOR HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT REBECCA. SKILLERN@HOUSTONPOLICE. ORG OFFICE: 832 -394 -2348