ABSTRACT: Objective: To determine differences in the perception of familial criticism among outpatients with diabetes mellitus, bipolar disorder and healthy individuals. Methods: A sample of 114 outpatients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, 122 with bipolar disorder and 116 healthy individuals was taken. Familial criticism was measured with the Family Emotional Involvement and Criticism Scale (FEICS). The scores were compared by means of the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Patients with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder have the highest scores in perceived criticism (Median= 17.5) and healthy individuals have the lowest scores (Median=12). Bipolar disorder patients have high scores in censorship and intrusion domains (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Bipolar disorder patients have the highest familial criticism compared to diabetes patients and healthy individuals. The high criticism can be explained by mental disorder characteristics and its social and familial implications.