Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast Series: Episode 243: Catatonia in Children and Teens

Saturday, January 24, 2026, 12:00 AM - Friday, October 2, 2026, 11:59 PM, Online


AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (1.75 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (1.75 hours)

This episode will discuss how metabolism and lifestyle impact mental health, drawing on his extensive background in psychiatry, leadership, and advocacy.

1. Describe the typical presentation of catatonia in children, including unique pediatric features and explain the role of physical examination and rating scales (e.g., BFCRS, PCRS, KANNER) in diagnosing catatonia.
2. List common psychiatric and medical causes of pediatric catatonia, discuss the role of substances and medications in inducing or exacerbating catatonia, and understand the importance of identifying and treating the underlying condition contributing to catatonia.
3. Describe the use and interpretation of the lorazepam challenge test, outline dosing strategies, monitoring, and tapering considerations for benzodiazepine treatment, and discuss second-line interventions such as ECT.

ADA Statement: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request.  For any special requests, please contact the activity administrator before the meeting date.

The University of California, Irvine School of Medicine adheres to ACCME Criteria, Standards and Policies regarding industry support of continuing medical education. Disclosure of faculty and their commercial relationships will be made prior to the activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

University of California, Irvine School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.