The poster team present an unusual case of hypocalcemia-induced catatonia in a pediatric patient. Hypocalcemia generally presents with neurological symptoms, such as tetany, seizures, and parkinsonism, and can rarely manifest as psychosis. In this case, hypocalcemia presented with symptoms consistent with catatonia.

Literature indicates that psychiatric symptoms may not improve until calcium levels are corrected. Laboratory tests revealed hypocalcemia and ultimately were consistent with a diagnosis of primary hypoparathyroidism. Significant symptom improvement occurred only after electrolyte correction.

“Identifying underlying organic causes of catatonia, especially in pediatric populations, is vital when symptoms are refractory to treatment since early diagnosis and targeted treatment can significantly improve outcomes,” say the poster team. “Hypocalcemia, though rarely, can manifest in psychiatric symptoms of psychosis, and catatonia should be considered in differential diagnosis upon initial workup.”

Dr. Meyer Karre: “This case highlights the need to consider metabolic and organic causes, such as hypocalcemia, in pediatric catatonia, urging psychiatrists to keep a broad differential when assessing atypical psychotic or catatonic presentations. The clinical improvement following calcium correction demonstrates how timely identification and targeted treatment of underlying medical conditions can profoundly impact psychiatric outcomes in young patients. It also emphasizes the importance of advancing our understanding of the intersection between endocrinology and psychiatry and exploring innovative diagnostic approaches to improve care for complex pediatric populations.”

This poster team present a case where a patient’s eating disorder complicates her candidacy for liver transplantation, demonstrating the need for innovative approaches in transplant psychiatry.

Evidence suggests such conditions may go unrecognized because prevalence of eating disorders in transplant evaluations is limited in the literature, say the team. One study found that 6.9%-10,8% of liver transplant patients were at risk for eating disorders. Another revealed body image disturbances, medication-induced weight fluctuations, and psychological stress may contribute to the development or exacerbation of eating disorders.

“Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is essential to improving transplant outcomes in these patients,” they say. “Incorporating validated screening tools and developing integrated care pathways are critical, as decompensation after transplantation could lead to life-threatening complications.”

Dr. Meyer Karre: “This abstract highlights a critical yet frequently under-recognized issue between transplant psychiatry and eating disorders, emphasizing the need for enhanced screening and management of transplant candidates. The case illustrates how eating disorders can complicate both liver transplant eligibility and post-transplant outcomes, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. By advocating for integrated care pathways, this work draws attention to existing gaps in transplant psychiatry and proposes a framework to improve patient safety and treatment outcomes.”

Spanish-English-speaking psychology trainees on C-L Psychiatry services are in high demand and often experience heavy workloads, increased cognitive demands, and risk of burnout.

This poster team have developed a bi-weekly Spanish Supervision and Consultation Group designed to enhance trainees’ multicultural awareness, linguistic proficiency, understanding of the intersection of mental and physical health, and confidence in culturally informed Spanish service delivery.

They theorize that findings will add to the scarcity of research, demonstrating the critical need for Spanish supervision groups to address gaps in bilingual clinical training and offer additive support for the specific needs of bilingual C-L Psychiatry providers.

Dr. Meyer Karre: “This thoughtful approach to bilingual supervision addresses a key need in delivering culturally responsive psychiatric care, particularly in safety-net hospital settings serving Spanish-speaking populations. By fostering both language proficiency and cultural humility among trainees, the model aims to enhance patient care while mitigating provider burnout. It represents an important step toward more equitable psychiatric training and care delivery, with potential implications for improving outcomes in linguistically diverse settings.”

Emerging evidence suggests that AI systems can unintentionally reinforce maladaptive thoughts in vulnerable populations, say this poster team. Their case study highlights the role of an AI chatbot in reinforcing delusional thinking in a patient with neuropsychiatric disturbances following traumatic brain injury, resulting in presentation of Delusional Companion Syndrome—a rare phenomenon typically involving anthropomorphized inanimate objects.

“It underscores the importance of assessing digital behavior in psychiatric evaluations and raises ethical concerns about the accessibility of AI tools without built-in safeguards for at-risk populations,” say the team.

“As technology continues to evolve, further research is essential to understand its impact on mental health and inform clinical guidelines for responsible use in vulnerable populations.”

In this case report, the poster team explore the progression of Moyamoya disease (MMD) in a female patient who initially presented with psychosis.

MMD is associated with psychiatric symptoms including mania, inattention, hyperactivity, psychosis, anxiety, confabulation, depression and suicidal thoughts; delusions and hallucinations being the most common.

“The high prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in MMD, and the not-so-uncommon occurrence of psychiatric symptoms as the presenting symptom of MMD, demonstrates the vital importance of early recognition of underlying MMD,” say the team.

Paraphilias, characterized by intense and persistent nonconventional sexual interests, present unique challenges. They are often inadequately assessed and underreported due to stigma, patient denial, and clinician discomfort. This poster team present the case of a patient with paraphilic disorder and suicide attempt receiving treatment in the general hospital setting.

Documenting paraphilic disorders in the medical record presents concerns about privacy, stigma and discrimination. The team worked to find neutral terminology that respected patient confidentiality while maintaining clinical accuracy.

“C-L psychiatrists are uniquely positioned to aid communication between patients with stigmatizing paraphilic disorders and other members of the care team,” they say. “Standardized procedures will help reduce stigma and promote comprehensive care.”