context: Instead of accounting for this contradictory record evidence, the ALJ ignored the opinions of Buck's therapists and Vickers, selectively citing to temporary improvements in Buck's functioning. Given the episodic nature of bipolar disorder, short-lived improvements in functioning are consistent with the diagnosis and cannot, by themselves, constitute substantial evidence to override treating source opinions that Buck was significantly impaired.
citation_a.signal: see also
citation_a.identifier: 296 F.3d 871, 881
citation_a.parenthetical: "Bipolar disorder is a severe psychiatric illness marked by episodes of mania and depression, impairment of functioning-- both cognitive and behavioral, and is frequently complicated by psychotic symptoms (e.g. delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking
citation_a.sentence: See Taylor v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 659 F.3d 1228, 1234 (9th Cir.2011) (concluding that the ALJ erred in “holding] against [claimant] two instances where he was able to function, even though his alleged disability involves attacks of muscle weakness ... that come and go”); see also Agyeman v. I.N.S., 296 F.3d 871, 881 (9th Cir.2002) (“Bipolar disorder is a severe psychiatric illness marked by episodes of mania and depression, impairment of functioning— both cognitive and behavioral, and is frequently complicated by psychotic symptoms (e.g. delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking).”) (emphasis added).
citation_b.signal: see
citation_b.identifier: 659 F.3d 1228, 1234
citation_b.parenthetical: concluding that the ALJ erred in "holding] against [claimant] two instances where he was able to function, even though his alleged disability involves attacks of muscle weakness ... that come and go"
citation_b.sentence: See Taylor v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec., 659 F.3d 1228, 1234 (9th Cir.2011) (concluding that the ALJ erred in “holding] against [claimant] two instances where he was able to function, even though his alleged disability involves attacks of muscle weakness ... that come and go”); see also Agyeman v. I.N.S., 296 F.3d 871, 881 (9th Cir.2002) (“Bipolar disorder is a severe psychiatric illness marked by episodes of mania and depression, impairment of functioning— both cognitive and behavioral, and is frequently complicated by psychotic symptoms (e.g. delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking).”) (emphasis added).