The Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting research into early-onset bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness) affects an estimated one million children in the U.S. It is characterized by sudden shifts in mood and energy, from irritable and easily annoyed to silly or elated, to bored and withdrawn, often accompanied by temper tantrums or thoughts of suicide.
Researchers say the illness is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, in part because its symptoms overlap those of other disorders, including ADHD, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation's efforts include support for researchers, a clinical program to train young psychiatrists and psychologists to recognize the disorder, and online listservs to allow practitioners to share information. The administrative offices of the foundation are located in the rear of St. Georges Church on Ridgewood Road.