Research Studies

About Research Studies

Better treatments for children with bipolar disorder will eventually arise out of a greater understanding of the biological underpinnings of the condition. This can only happen through advances in scientific research, made by a committed group of clinical and basic science investigators working together, and assisted by families whose children are affected by the illness.

JBRF is focusing its effort on five major areas of inquiry that include: Clinical Phenomenology, Neuropsychology, Neuroimaging, Chronobiology, and Genetic Studies.

Participation in these studies enables families to contribute directly to the research effort. The benefits of volunteering would include an opportunity to be evaluated by an expert on the disorder. Specific studies may provide additional information that may be useful to the patient and his or her family.

Before putting your child in a study, JBRF suggests you ask questions to help determine whether participation is in your child's best interests. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests the following Checklist of Questions:

Q: Why do you want my child in your study?

Q: What is the research about? How will this research help in treating or understanding my child’s disorder?

Q: What do I need to do as a parent and how much time will this take?

Q: How might this study help me, my child, relatives, or other people with this disorder?

Q: What possible risks are there to my child or my relatives if I take part?

Q: How will this be different from the care my child is getting now, and do I have other options or choices?

Q: Could my child’s illness become worse during the study? What will happen if it does?

Q: What will happen to my child at the end of the study?

Q: What should I do if I want to withdraw my child from the study?

Q: May I get back to you after I discuss this with my family/friend/case manager/doctor?

For more information, see the National Institute of Mental Health's guidelines, A Participant's Guide to Mental Health Research.

I am interested in participating in research studies and would like to find out more about specific studies that are being conducted and how I can enroll my child.

NEXT > Clinical Phenomenological Study of Childhood-onset Bipolar Disorder

New: Are you interested in finding out if your children qualify to participate in the JBRF's research studies? Learn more here.

Research Studies

Clinical Phenomenological Study of Childhood-onset Bipolar Disorder

Validation Study of The Child Bipolar Questionnaire V.2

Circadian Rhythm - Sleep/Wake Study in Juvenile-onset Bipolar Disorder

Neuropsychological Testing in Juvenile-onset Bipolar Disorder

Affected Sibling Pair Genetic Study