Treatment FAQ

what does adhd treatment do

by Chadrick Altenwerth Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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ADHD medicines improve attention by helping normal brain chemicals work better. The medicines target two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals affect a person's attention and concentration.

Healthline.com

1. Forgo food colorings and preservatives...

2. Avoid potential allergens...

3. Try EEG biofeedback...

4. Consider a yoga or tai chi class...

5. Spending time outside...

6. Behavioral or parental therapy...

Learn More...

Top10homeremedies.com

1. Exercise...

2. Yoga and Tai Chi...

3. Diet and Nutrition...

4. Fish Oil...

5. Massage...

6. Chamomile...

7. Korean Red Ginseng...

8. Green Oats (Avena sativa)...

Learn More...

Trueremedies.com

1. Share Information And Open Your Heart To Receiving Help...

2. Change The Living Space...

3. Make A Timetable For Your Child...

4. Reward Instead Of Penalizing Your Child...

5. Let Your Child Do Simple Tasks...

6. Avoid Letting Him / Her Get Tired...

7. Apply Discipline In A Very Clever Way...

Learn More...

How to cure ADHD using 4 natural remedies?

Practical and Natural Remedies for ADHD

  • Overview. Although we have the benefits of advanced medicine, there may still be a place for natural treatments too.
  • Nutrition. Vitamins and minerals play an important role in natural remedies for ADHD. ...
  • Clean Eating. ...
  • Blood Sugar. ...
  • Protein. ...
  • Food Intolerance. ...
  • Elimination Diet. ...
  • Exercise. ...
  • Sleep. ...

What are some ways to treat ADHD?

Therapy for ADHD

  • Psychotherapy. There are different types of psychotherapy that can provide a way for the child to better manage symptoms of his/her ADHD.
  • Behavior therapy. The goal of behavior therapy (BT) is to teach a child how to monitor their behaviors and then change those behaviors appropriately.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy. ...

What is the best medicine for ADHD?

The ones most widely used to treat ADHD include:

  • Stimulants. This group of drugs has treated ADHD for several decades. These medicines might help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions. ...
  • Non-stimulants. In cases where stimulants don’t work or cause unpleasant side effects, non-stimulants might help. ...
  • Antidepressants. People with ADHD often have depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder too. ...

What are the types of therapy for ADHD?

Treatment for adult inattentive ADHD entails a three-step process:

  • Restoring brain chemical levels back to normal
  • Undoing the patterns of thinking and resulting behaviors associated with ADHD
  • Equipping a person with healthy coping strategies

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What does ADHD medication help with?

Medication can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity in children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), formerly known as ADD. However, medications come with side effects and risks—and they're not the only treatment option.

Is it worth getting treated for ADHD?

Although certain symptoms may fade with age, ADHD can be a lifelong problem. And some people aren't diagnosed with ADHD until they're adults. It's important for all grownups with ADHD to have treatment for it. If not, they're more likely to have employment problems.

What is the most effective treatment for ADHD?

Stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications. Between 70-80% of children with ADHD have fewer ADHD symptoms when taking these fast-acting medications. Nonstimulants were approved for the treatment of ADHD in 2003.

What do ADHD patients do?

Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger. Adult ADHD symptoms may include: Impulsiveness.

What does untreated ADHD feel like?

Without treatment, which may include medication, a person may experience low self-esteem, depression, and problems with school, work, and relationships. Anyone who believes that a child may have ADHD should seek medical advice.

How does ADHD medication feel?

Some patients report that their medication feels good — productivity, focus, and mood are all improved with minimal side effects — but it doesn't feel like enough.

Can ADHD be caused by trauma?

Many people think that ADHD is a result of trauma, but is it true? The answer is yes, but more for some people than others. The truth is that 90% of the time ADHD is not caused by trauma, but if the trauma is extreme enough, it can cause severe ADHD-like symptoms.

Does ADHD worsen with age?

Does ADHD get worse with age? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically does not get worse with age if a person is aware of their symptoms and knows how to manage them.

How does ADHD affect the brain?

ADHD affects brain functioning in several ways. The condition has links to abnormal cognitive, behavioral, and motivational functioning. ADHD can affect the regulation of moods, emotions, and brain cell connections. It can also affect communication between different areas of the brain.

What are the 3 main symptoms of ADHD?

The 3 categories of symptoms of ADHD include the following:Inattention: Short attention span for age (difficulty sustaining attention) Difficulty listening to others. ... Impulsivity: Often interrupts others. ... Hyperactivity: Seems to be in constant motion; runs or climbs, at times with no apparent goal except motion.

What are the 3 types of ADHD?

ADHD is divided into three main types: inattentive type. hyperactive-impulsive type. combination type.

What are the 4 types of ADHD?

Not anymore. In 1994, doctors decided all forms of attention-deficit disorder would be called "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder," or ADHD, even if the person wasn't hyperactive. Now it's called , inattentive type, or ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive type, or ADHD, combined type.

My Child Has been Diagnosed With Adhd – Now What?

When their child is diagnosed with ADHD, parents often have concerns about deciding the best way to help their child. It is important for parents t...

Behavior Therapy, Including Training For Parents

Research shows that behavior therapy is an important part of treatment for children with ADHD. ADHD affects not only a child’s ability to pay atten...

Parent Education and Support

CDC funds the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) The NR...

What Every Parent Should Know…

Children with ADHD might be eligible for special services or accommodations at school under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDE...

What is the best treatment for ADHD?

The best treatment plan for ADHD is unique to the individual, and typically includes a mix of medication, therapy, and/or lifestyle changes. Effect...

What stimulants are used to treat ADHD?

The main stimulant medications used to treat ADHD fall into two broad categories: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidate:  Ritalin, Con...

Are stimulant medications dangerous?

Stimulant medications have been in use for decades, and though they may trigger side effects (such as headaches or irritability), most research has...

Will stimulant medications stunt my child’s growth?

The evidence is mixed. A longitudinal study published in 2017 , for instance, found that extended use of stimulants to treat ADHD was associated w...

What non-stimulants are used to treat ADHD?

Three non-stimulant medications —Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Kapvay (clonidine)—are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Wellbutrin (...

Do non-stimulant medications work as well as stimulants?

It depends. Stimulants are typically the first-line treatment for ADHD, as they are generally safe and have a rapid onset, making it easier to dete...

Can therapy help with ADHD?

Yes. For children, behavior therapy (typically with a parent-training element) has proven to be effective in many cases; for adults, CBT has been s...

Is it possible to treat ADHD without medication?

Yes. Although most head-to-head studies have concluded that medication is generally more effective than other standalone treatments, it can trigger...

How to help a child with ADHD?

Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can be useful in getting your child to open up about their feelings of coping with ADHD. ADHD can cause your child to have problems with peers and authority figures. Psychotherapy can help children better handle these relationships.

What is the best medication for ADHD?

antidepressants like nortriptyline (Pamelor) Other nonstimulant medications can also help with ADHD. It isn’t fully known how these medications help with ADHD, but there is some evidence that they help certain chemicals work better in the part of the brain involved with attention and memory.

What is the most common ADHD medication?

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are the most commonly prescribed class of ADHD drugs. These drugs work by increasing the amounts of the brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. The effect improves your child’s concentration and helps them focus better.

What is the goal of behavior therapy?

Behavior therapy. The goal of behavior therapy (BT) is to teach a child how to monitor their behaviors and then change those behaviors appropriately. You and your child, and perhaps the child’s teacher, will work together. You’ll develop strategies for how your child behaves in response to certain situations.

Why is social skills training important for ADHD?

As with BT, the goal of social skills training is to teach the child new and more appropriate behaviors. This helps a child with ADHD play and work better with others.

Is there a cure for ADHD?

ADHD is a disorder that affects the brain and behaviors. There’s no known cure for ADHD, but several options can help your child manage their symptoms. Treatments range from behavioral intervention to prescription medication. In many cases, medication alone is an effective treatment for ADHD. However, the National Institute ...

Is medication good for ADHD?

Medication is often an important part of treatment for a child with ADHD. However, it can be a difficult decision to make as a parent. To make the best choice, you and your child’s doctor should work together to decide if medication is a good option .

What is the treatment for ADHD?

Treatment of ADHD. Medication and behavioral treatments are both widely used to treat ADHD. While medication is often the first-line treatment, patients who receive behavioral treatments—typically therapy, parent training, or neurofeedback—often ultimately need less medication or are able to stop using it entirely.

How to help ADHD children?

A combination of therapy, exercise, meditation, and dietary changes have proven effective for many children and adults with ADHD. Emerging research also suggests that technological treatments—such as specialized video games, brain training programs, or neurofeedback—may improve ADHD symptoms; most experts, however, ...

What is the most common medication for ADHD?

The most commonly used ADHD medications are stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall. Non-stimulants like Strattera or certain classes of antidepressants can be used for those who don’t respond to stimulants or cannot tolerate them.

What is the FDA approved medication for ADHD?

Created with Sketch. Three non-stimulant medications —Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Kapvay (clonidine) —are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and other antidepressants are often used off-label to treat ADHD.

What is ADHD disability?

ADHD is a disability that can cause frustration not only for the individual but those living with them. Here's how to help. ADHD is a disability that can cause frustration not only for the individual but those living with them. Here's how to help.

How does ADHD affect your life?

ADHD can propel success in relationships and business, and professional and artistic pursuits. ADHD, the authors stress right off, can be an invaluable asset in a person’s life. ADHD can propel success in relationships and business, and professional and artistic pursuits.

Is stimulant therapy safe for ADHD?

Created with Sketch. It depends. Stimulants are typically the first-line treatment for ADHD, as they are generally safe and have a rapid onset, making it easier to determine efficacy. Non-stimulants are most often prescribed to those who can’t tolerate stimulants or who find stimulants ineffective.

What is the treatment for ADHD?

Treatment for ADHD can also mean seeking outside help. Professionals trained in ADHD can help you learn new skills to cope with symptoms and change habits that are causing problems.

How to manage ADHD?

Your goal is to be mindful of your eating habits. That means planning and shopping for healthy meals , scheduling meal times, preparing food before you’re already starving, and keeping healthful, easy snacks on hand so you don’t have to run to the vending machine or grab dinner at Burger King.

Why should ADHD medication be closely monitored?

Because everyone responds differently, finding the right medication and dose takes time. ADHD medication should always be closely monitored. Medication treatment for ADHD involves more than just taking a pill and forgetting about it.

How to reduce ADHD symptoms?

Exercising regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults and improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. Physical activity burns off extra energy that can lead to impulsivity. It also immediately boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels—all of which affect focus and attention. In this way, exercise and medications for ADHD such as Ritalin and Adderall work similarly. But unlike ADHD medication, exercise doesn’t require a prescription and it’s side-effect free.

What is behavioral coaching for ADHD?

Behavioral coaching for adult ADHD is not a traditional form of therapy, but it can be a valuable part of ADHD treatment.

What part of the brain is responsible for attention, planning, and impulse control?

Researchers say that in the long run, meditation increases activity in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for attention, planning, and impulse control.

What is the best supplement for ADHD?

A growing number of studies show that omega-3s improve mental focus in people with ADHD. Omega-3s are found in salmon, tuna, sardines, and some fortified eggs and milk products. While it’s more beneficial to get Omega-3s from food, fish oil and algae supplements are easy ways to boost your intake.

How to treat ADHD in preschool?

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy , particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried. What works best can depend on the child and family.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

A child with ADHD might: daydream a lot . forget or lose things a lot. squirm or fidget. talk too much. make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks. have a hard time resisting temptation. have trouble taking turns. have difficulty getting along with others.

Why is ADHD worse?

Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Of course, many things, including these, might make symptoms worse, especially in certain people.

How many types of ADHD are there?

Types. There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual: Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations.

What are the causes of ADHD?

Recent studies of twins link genes with ADHD. 1. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury.

Is it normal for kids to have ADHD?

It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue, can be severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.

Can ADHD be diagnosed?

Some adults have ADHD but have never been diagnosed. The symptoms can cause difficulty at work, at home, or with relationships. Symptoms may look different at older ages, for example, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness. Symptoms can become more severe when the demands of adulthood increase.

What is the best treatment for ADHD?

Psychological counseling. Counseling for adult ADHD generally includes psychological counseling (psychotherapy), education about the disorder and learning skills to help you be successful. Psychotherapy may help you: Improve your time management and organizational skills. Learn how to reduce your impulsive behavior.

What type of therapy is best for ADHD?

Develop strategies for controlling your temper. Common types of psychotherapy for ADHD include: Cognitive behavioral therapy. This structured type of counseling teaches specific skills to manage your behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones.

What are the most common medications for ADHD?

Stimulants, such as products that include methylphenidate or amphetamine, are typically the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, but other medications may be prescribed. Stimulants appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

How early can you diagnose ADHD?

Diagnosis. Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults can be hard to spot. However, core symptoms start early in life — before age 12 — and continue into adulthood, creating major problems. No single test can confirm the diagnosis. Making the diagnosis will likely include: Physical exam, to help rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. ...

How does ADHD affect relationships?

If you're like many adults with ADHD, you may be unpredictable and forget appointments, miss deadlines, and make impulsive or irrational decisions. These behaviors can strain the patience of the most forgiving co-worker, friend or partner.

What are the mental health disorders?

Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, learning and language deficits, or other psychiatric disorders. Medical problems that can affect thinking or behavior, such as a developmental disorder, seizure disorder, thyroid problems, sleep disorders, brain injury or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) ...

Does meditation help with ADHD?

However, studies indicate that mindfulness meditation may help improve mood and attention in adults who have ADHD, as well as those who don't have ADHD.

Types of ADHD Medications

Medications used to treat ADHD can be separated into these two broad categories—stimulants and non-stimulants:

Stimulants for ADHD

Stimulants for ADHD fall into two main categories: those derived from the drug amphetamine and those derived from the drug methylphenidate . No evidence has shown that either is superior. 3 These drugs have similar effects on a chemical level.

Non-Stimulants for ADHD

The following are the four non-stimulant medications that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to treat ADHD: 2

Antidepressants for ADHD

Some clinicians have also used certain antidepressants to help treat ADHD, even though they haven’t technically been FDA approved. These drugs are also non-stimulants. And even though they have not been studied fully enough to get FDA approval, some studies have shown them helpful for people with ADHD. 5

ADHD Medications and Side Effects

Stimulant medications for ADHD are very similar in terms of their potential side effects. The risk of side effects increases at higher doses of medication. Some possible side effects include: 3

Summary

Medications used to treat ADHD can be separated into two broad categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin are well-established treatments for ADHD, and most people find them safe and effective. However, non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera, are another option.

A Word From Verywell

If you or your child is struggling with ADHD, you may be unsure how to handle it. If you are ready to try medication, the sheer number can be overwhelming.

What is the best treatment for ADHD?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are helpful in reducing symptoms in children with ADHD. When adults have behavioral therapy for ADHD, they normally have a type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

What is behavioral therapy for ADHD?

Behavioral therapy for children with ADHD takes a whole family approach to change behaviors. All behavioral therapy focuses on changing a person’s actions. Behavioral therapy for children with ADHD also looks at how negative actions are responded to in a child’s home.

What is the goal of behavioral therapy?

The goal of behavioral therapy is to replace negative behaviors with positive ones. Behavioral therapy does this by teaching strategies to improve problem areas like organization, focus, and impulse control. Some people find that behavioral therapy helps them effectively manage their ADHD symptoms without medication.

How to help a child with ADHD?

Parents will learn new methods of helping their child with ADHD succeed, and they’ll learn about why certain strategies aren’t effective. The therapist will introduce new strategies for rewarding positive behaviors and managing negative ones.

What is ADHD in psychology?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD is an acronym that stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. People with ADHD have difficulties with focus, impulse control, attention, hyperactivity, and organization. Although many people think of ADHD as a childhood condition, it may persist into adulthood.

What do children learn from therapy sessions?

Children will learn new skills and new ways to manage tasks that might be challenging for them, such as: completing homework. paying attention in class. keeping their rooms clean. completing any daily chores.

Can a therapist help with ADHD?

The therapist will help you navigate this and will continue to work with your child on skills to help them manage their ADHD. Keep in mind that behavioral therapy is not a “cure” or “fix” for ADHD. Your child will still have ADHD when behavioral therapy is complete.

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Treatment

Results

  • Medication for ADHD is more effective when combined with other treatments. You will get much more out of your medication if you also take advantage of other treatments that address emotional and behavioral issues and teach you new coping skills.
See more on helpguide.org

Prognosis

  • Everyone responds differently to ADHD medication. Some people experience dramatic improvement while others experience little to no relief. The side effects also differ from person to person and, for some, they far outweigh the benefits. Because everyone responds differently, finding the right medication and dose takes time. Many adults with ADHD have sleep difficulties…
See more on helpguide.org

Prevention

  • ADHD medication should always be closely monitored. Medication treatment for ADHD involves more than just taking a pill and forgetting about it. You and your doctor will need to monitor side effects, keep tabs on how youre feeling, and adjust the dosage accordingly. When medication for ADHD is not carefully monitored, it becomes less effective and more risky. If you choose to take …
See more on helpguide.org

Benefits

  • Exercising regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults and improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. Physical activity burns off extra energy that can lead to impulsivity. It also immediately boosts the brains dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levelsall of which affect focus and ...
See more on helpguide.org

Symptoms

  • Trouble getting to sleep at night, often because racing thoughts are keeping you up. Restless sleep. You may toss and turn throughout the night, tear the covers off, and wake up at any little noise. Difficulty waking up in the morning. Waking up is a daily struggle. You may sleep through multiple alarms and feel groggy and irritable for hours after getting up.
See more on helpguide.org

Diet

  • When it comes to diet, managing ADHD is as much of a matter of how you eat as what you eat. Most of the nutritional problems among adults with ADHD are the result of impulsiveness and poor planning. Your goal is to be mindful of your eating habits. That means planning and shopping for healthy meals, scheduling meal times, preparing food before youre already starving, and kee…
See more on helpguide.org

Management

  • Some therapies focus on managing stress and anger or controlling impulsive behaviors, while others teach you how to handle time and money more effectively and improve your organizational skills.
See more on helpguide.org

Overview

  • Talk therapy. Adults with ADHD often struggle with issues stemming from longstanding patterns of underachievement, failure, academic difficulties, job turnover, and relationship conflict. Individual talk therapy can help you deal with this emotional baggage, including low self-esteem, the feelings of embarrassment and shame you may have experienced as a child and teenager, a…
See more on helpguide.org

Coaches

  • Behavioral coaching for adult ADHD is not a traditional form of therapy, but it can be a valuable part of ADHD treatment. In contrast to traditional therapists who help people work through emotional problems, coaches focus solely on practical solutions to problems in everyday life. Behavioral coaches teach you strategies for organizing your home and work environment, struct…
See more on helpguide.org

Signs and Symptoms

Types

  • There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual: 1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation:It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines. 1. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Pre…
See more on cdc.gov

Causes of ADHD

  • Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD.1 In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible cause…
See more on cdc.gov

Diagnosis

  • Deciding if a child has ADHD is a process with several steps. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. One step of the process involves having a medical exam, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other problems with symptoms like …
See more on cdc.gov

Treatments

  • In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy, particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried. What works best can depend on the child and family. Good treatment plans w...
See more on cdc.gov

Managing Symptoms: Staying Healthy

  • Being healthy is important for all children and can be especially important for children with ADHD. In addition to behavioral therapy and medication, having a healthy lifestyle can make it easier for your child to deal with ADHD symptoms. Here are some healthy behaviors that may help: 1. Developing healthy eating habitssuch as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains an…
See more on cdc.gov

Get Help!

  • If you or your doctor has concerns about ADHD, you can take your child to a specialist such as a child psychologist, child psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician, or you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds the National Resource Center on ADHD…
See more on cdc.gov

ADHD in Adults

  • ADHD can last into adulthood. Some adults have ADHD but have never been diagnosed. The symptoms can cause difficulty at work, at home, or with relationships. Symptoms may look different at older ages, for example, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness. Symptoms can become more severe when the demands of adulthood increase. For more information abou…
See more on cdc.gov

More Information

  1. National Resource Center on ADHDexternal icon
  2. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)external icon
  3. The Network of Care of Chemung County (New York)external icon– Information on ADHD in American Sign Language (ASL)
See more on cdc.gov

Reference

  • Faraone, S. V., Banaschewski, T., Coghill, D., Zheng, Y., Biederman, J., Bellgrove, M. A., . . . Wang, Y. (2021). The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 evidence-based...
See more on cdc.gov

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