The Gay Shrink Weighs In: Hugo Chavez Queen Of Our Hearts

The Gay Shrink is a board certified psychologist. His opinions are his own, though we totes believe whatever the hell he says. Today he weighs in on someone never far from our thoughts.

Is it me, or is the president of Venezuela acting a lot like a drag queen these days? He’s obsessed with celebrity, thumbs his nose at Kings and Heads of State like only a diva can, and perpetuates more drama than all of the telenovelas he interrupted with state television. Perhaps, with the right outfit and wig, he could give Rupaul a run for her money. He clearly has the narcissistic personality traits to put him in the same league with fellow Most Embarrassing Latino nominees Fidel Castro and Noelia, (and garner him more votes than either of those two major leaguers), but perhaps there is something more significant going on that can account for his grandiose presentation.

The man seems to have boundless energy. He rallies, he shuts down the media, he parties with celebrities, he produces movies, pisses off the world, attempts to ratify constitutions and even has time to cut an album. Perhaps Mr. Chavez is bipolar and is shaping the future of Venezuela and his elaborate plans for South America on little sleep and delusions of grandeur.

According the the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. People experience a shift from extreme highs (called manic episodes) to extreme lows (depression). During a manic phase the following symptoms are likely:

• Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
• Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood
• Extreme irritability
• Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
• Distractibility, can’t concentrate well
• Little sleep needed
• Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers
• Poor judgment
• Spending sprees
• A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
• Increased sexual drive
• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
• Denial that anything is wrong

It seems reasonable to wonder if Mr. Chavez is a bit manic. This could certainly explain some of his choices to alienate some of his closest allies. It is a bit scary to imagine the flip side—a very depressed, sullen, Mr. Chavez (perhaps that is why he and Sean Penn get along so well), but until that time comes, get used to Diva Extraordinaire Cha Cha Chavez or get this man some lithium.

Earlier: Why Won’t Castro Die? The Gay Shrink Weighs In.