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Treating Bipolar Schizophrenia – Schizoaffective Disorder

Treating Bipolar Schizophrenia – Schizoaffective Disorder

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Both bipolar and schizophrenia are long-term mental disorders that can affect the minds of anyone at any age, but they are most commonly observed in adults in the USA between late teens to 30 years.

Though bipolar disorder is more common, and on the other hand schizophrenia symptoms are more severe. The patient feels hallucinations, a disconnection from reality. In contrast, bipolar disorder is a shift between moods and energy from extreme excitement (mania) to depression.

Not everyone with schizophrenia symptoms can experience hallucinations, but it is common.

There is also some overlap in symptoms, so people can make mistakes between bipolar or schizophrenia. However, these two have similar risk factors and can be developed at the same age of life. These conditions can be genetic, while environmental factors can also be their causes or triggers.

Early diagnosis of bipolar vs schizophrenia is necessary. Ensure to speak to a healthcare professional or psychiatrist if you or your loved ones have one or both of these mental illnesses. This is necessary to know whether it is bipolar or schizophrenia.  Their planned and proper handling can help you manage either of these conditions and bring you a positive life.

What Are The Major Differences Between Bipolar and Schizophrenia?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by significant shifts in physical energy, mood, and activities. A person with bipolar disorder can experience shifts from extreme changes (mania and depression).

However, the main feature of schizophrenia is psychosis, which consists of a disconnection from reality while experiencing hallucinations and delusions.

Hallucinations are a symptom of schizophrenia, where you can hear, see, and feel things that are not actually present.

Delusions are unshakable beliefs that are essentially untrue.

In the case of bipolar disorder, individuals can experience psychosis during mood episodes, but this is not a defining characteristic of the condition. Moreover, psychosis in bipolar disorder is less severe than it is found in schizophrenia.

Read More: Schizophrenia in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type?

This mental condition combines the symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It includes schizophrenia, primarily psychosis (like hallucinations or delusions), alongside mood shifts (bipolar disorder). 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) provides specific criteria. The key aspect is the timing and persistence of symptoms. There are differences between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Concurrent Symptoms:

There are periods when a major mood episode (mania or depression) occurs at the same time as the core signs of schizophrenia (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, etc.).

Independent Psychosis:

A person must experience delusions or hallucinations for at least two weeks without any major mood episodes occurring during the duration of their illness. This criterion helps differentiate it from bipolar disorder, where psychotic symptoms usually occur only during significant mood episodes.

Rule Outs:

The use of a substance or another medical condition cannot explain the symptoms.

There are two main subtypes:

  • Bipolar Type: This type involves whether manic episodes are part of the condition. Major depressive episodes are also common in this type. This is the focus of this article.
  • Depressive Type: This applies only if major depressive episodes occur with the schizophrenia symptoms.

Read More: Causes of Schizophrenia: Is Schizophrenia Genetic?

Symptoms Of Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder

  • Manic Episodes: Distinct periods of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and persistently increased energy or activity, lasting at least one week (or any duration if hospitalization is needed). Symptoms include:
    • Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.
    • Decreased need for sleep (feeling rested after only a few hours).
    • Increased talkativeness or pressure to keep talking.
    • Racing thoughts or flight of ideas.
    • Distractibility.
    • Increased goal-directed activity (socially, at work, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation.
  • Major Depressive Episodes: This period lasts for two weeks of depression or loss of interest in activities, plus other symptoms like:
    • Considerable weight loss or gain, or a decrease/increase in appetite.
    • Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).
    • Fatigue or loss of energy.
    • Feelings of worthlessness or extreme guilt.
    • Lost the ability to think, focus, or make decisions.
    • Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempt.

The experience is highly individualistic, with symptom severity and combination varying over time. However, there is a general question of whether bipolar disorder can turn into schizophrenia. The answer is no, and we will learn about it in this blog.

Read More: Understanding Borderline Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Why Does It Happen? (Finding Causes)

The full and final cause of schizoaffective disorder remains unidentified, but research suggests a complex part of several factors:

  • Genetics: Family history plays a role. If the person’s close relative is experiencing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder, the risk increases. However, genetics alone does not define the problem; many people with a family history never develop these conditions.
  • Brain Chemistry and Structure: Imbalances in neurotransmitters( brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin determine mood and perception) are thought to contribute to this condition. Though research is ongoing, differences in brain structure or function might also be involved.
  • Environmental Factors: Major life incidents can influence risk, such as a person’s exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth, complications during delivery, or significant childhood trauma (like abuse or neglect) can increase exposure.
  • Stress: Stressful life events often act as triggers for symptom onset or relapse. The stress vulnerability suggests that people can develop the disorder when they have to face significant life stress (like job loss, relationship breakdown, bereavement, or traumatic experiences). Up to two-thirds of people with psychotic disorders report experiencing trauma.
  • Substance Use: The use of psychoactive drugs, especially during teenage and adult years, can increase the risk or trigger psychotic/ mood episodes in weak individuals.

Read More: A Guide To Understand Catatonic Schizophrenia

Getting an Accurate Diagnosis

Because symptoms overlap with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, diagnosing schizoaffective disorder requires a thorough examination by expert mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists. The treatment normally involves:

  • Detailed Interview: Here, they can discuss current symptoms, personal and family mental health history, and the duration of mood and psychotic symptoms.
  • Physical Examination: This is necessary to rule out medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
  • Ruling out Other Factors: Check for prescribed medicine that can simulate or trigger symptoms.
  • Observation Over Time: Sometimes, a clear diagnosis emerges only after observing the pattern of symptoms over several months or longer. It takes time.

A complete diagnosis is important for making an effective treatment plan.

Read More: Trauma Brain Vs Normal Brain: How Trauma Affects The Way We Live

Finding Stability and Hope As A Solution

Although schizoaffective disorder is typically a lifelong condition, it can be treated. Patients can improve their lives, decrease symptoms, and follow meaningful goals with continuous management. Treatment usually applies a combination of approaches:

Medication:

This is often the basic treatment.

  • Antipsychotics: These medications help manage psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Paliperidone (Invega) is the only medication specifically FDA-approved for schizoaffective disorder, but doctors often prescribe other effective antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole, quetiapine).
  • Mood Stabilizers: For the bipolar type, mood stabilizers (like lithium, valproic acid, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine) are essential to control manic episodes and help prevent future mood swings.
  • Antidepressants: If depressive episodes are significant, an antidepressant can be taken. Well, these should be used cautiously and with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic due to the potential risk of activating mania in patients.

Key Point: Finding the right medication or combination often takes time and collaboration with a psychiatrist. Consistent adherence is crucial for effectiveness.

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy):

Therapy provides skills and support to manage the illness.

  • Personal Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often helpful. It gives solutions to individuals to identify and control irrelevant thought patterns related to both psychosis and mood, to manage stress.
  • Family Therapy/Education: This management involves family members who can improve communication, reduce household stress, enhance understanding of the illness, and build a stronger support network for the patient.
  • Social Skills Training: This helps improve communication and interpersonal skills, which can be affected by the illness, and helps to reduce social isolation.
  • Arts Therapies: A person’s interaction with creative sessions (such as art, music, and drama) can elevate mood by allowing that patient to express feelings to others and enjoy themselves.

Read More: How to Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar schizophrenia is a complex condition that demands proper diagnosis and comprehensive, ongoing treatment. It connects the worlds of psychosis and significant mood fluctuation, which present unique challenges. However, through a combination of medication, physical therapy, lifestyle change, stress management, and strong support systems, individuals can manage symptoms effectively. This way, they can reduce the impact of illness on their lives and work towards a better future. If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, finding a mental health professional is a necessary step toward getting help and finding hope.

However, experts are available at Orange Coast Psychiatry who can help you alleviate the symptoms and make life normal like before. Contact them at any time and make life worth living.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bipolar disorder contains major shifts in mood and energy, from mania to depression. On the other hand, schizophrenia is primarily psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions.

Schizoaffective disorder has symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Individuals with this condition experience psychosis (hallucinations or delusions) along with mood episodes (mania or depression.

No, bipolar disorder does not develop into schizophrenia, but people can have hallucinations and delusions in bipolar disorder.

Treatment for schizoaffective disorder involves medication (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants) and psychotherapy.

Reference and Footnotes
  1. Prevalence and classification of hallucinations in multiple sensory modalities in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Schizophrenia Research, 176(2-3), 493–499. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2016.06.010
  2. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
  3. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5-TR). Psychiatry.org; American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
  4. Dupont, D. (2020, May 24). Am I Depressed? Citron Hennessey Therapy. https://www.privatetherapy.com/blog/am-i-depressed/
  5. Seabrook. (2018, July 18). New Jersey Addiction Treatment. Seabrook. https://seabrook.org

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Jackson Tea

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Administrative Director and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jackson Tea, MSN, PMHNP-BC, serves as the Administrative Director and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Jackson is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. His expertise includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, personalized medication management, and behavioral health interventions designed to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes in their mental health journey.
Jackson’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. He focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, valued, and understood. By offering individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, Jackson helps clients overcome obstacles such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges.
He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned Dean’s List honors. As a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Jackson remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and promoting high standards of care in the field.
In his role at Orange Coast Psychiatry, Jackson leads clinical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality care. His core competencies include psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, clinical leadership, and risk mitigation. Above all, Jackson strives to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, supporting individuals in making meaningful progress, improving their quality of life, and achieving lasting well-being.

May Faustino

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Mina Cheriki

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Mina Cheriki is a masters-prepared Registered Nurse (RN), certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), and a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She brings nearly a decade of experience within the healthcare industry, particularly within the fields of nursing, mental-health, education, research, and leadership. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, followed by a Master of Science degree in Nursing at The Ohio State University.
Rooted in the highest quality of evidence-based practice and informed by a holistic, collaborative, person-centered approach, Mina’s clinical skillset encompasses psychiatric assessments, medication management, psychotherapy, and education. Her clinical focus covers symptoms and conditions related to depression, anxiety, panic, mood imbalances, attention/concentration deficits and hyperactivity, executive dysfunction, life transitions, acute stress, grief, trauma, and more. Additionally, Mina has experience in providing ketamine-assisted therapies and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for mental health.
Coming from a family of immigrants, Mina is familiar with providing culturally-, religiously-, and spiritually sensitive care while also maintaining efforts in delivering highly therapeutic communications. Furthermore, she continues her commitment in providing evidence-driven care and in upholding standards of quality by remaining active in organizations such as the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Above all, Mina is committed to empowering her clients throughout their journeys toward recovery and well-mindedness. More specifically, she uses her combined knowledge and passions for physical and mental health to assist her clients toward achieving a lasting balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
Aside from her dedication to providing mental health care, Mina also enjoys exploring nature and hiking, making photography and art, as well as spending quality time with friends, family, and her dog, Kona.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.