Problem: Article: Fingers are very susceptible to injury and even breaking when exposed to blunt trauma, such as getting them caught in doors or jammed while playing contact sports. In most cases, it's obvious which finger is injured (the one that hurts the most), but sometimes you need to examine your hand and fingers closely to better understand the injury. Signs of mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal injuries include redness, swelling, inflammation, localized pain, bruising, reduced motion, and maybe some degree of crookedness if your finger is dislocated or fractured. Buddy taping can be used on most finger injuries, even some stress (hairline) fractures, although more serious displaced fractures usually need splinting, casting, or surgery. Small stress fractures, bone chips, contusions (bruises), and joint sprains are not considered serious issues, but severely crushed fingers (mangled and bleeding) or displaced compound fractures (bleeding with bone sticking out of the skin) require immediate medical care, especially if the thumb is involved. Once you've established which finger is injured, you need to decide which adjacent finger to buddy tape it to. In general, try to tape fingers together that are closest in length. The index finger and second finger are usually paired for buddy taping and fingers three and four are usually best taped together. Your thumb, due to its location and range of motion, can't be buddy taped to the index finger, so it's often splinted or casted when severely sprained or broken. In addition, make sure the "buddy" finger is uninjured, because taping two injured fingers together may create more problems. If your third finger (ring finger) is injured, you have the option of buddy taping it to the second or fourth finger. Choose the finger most equal in length, but for the most stability, the ring finger should be buddy-taped to the middle finger. Once you've decided on which two fingers to buddy tape together, prepare your finger for taping. Start by washing your hands with soap and water, and then specifically clean the fingers to be taped with alcohol wipes. The alcohol in the wipes (isopropyl alcohol) is not only a good antiseptic, but it also gets rid of any oily or greasy residues that might prevent the tape from sticking to your skin. Use a hypoallergenic or low-irritant wrap underneath the tape if you have especially sensitive skin. If alcohol wipes are not available, the next best alternative is simple soap and water. Once you've cleaned and prepared the fingers, take some non-stretch medical, surgical, or athletic tape (about an inch wide) and tape your injured finger to the uninjured one perhaps using a figure-eight pattern for more stability. Be careful not to bind the fingers too tightly together, because you might create additional swelling and may even cut off the circulation, causing tissue death (necrosis). The taping should be secure enough that both of your fingers move together. Check that there is no numbness, throbbing, color change, or loss of sensation in either finger after the taping. Be cautious buddy taping fingers together if you have diabetes, circulation problems, or peripheral arterial disease, because any significant reduction in blood circulation (from taping too tight) increases the risk of necrosis. Consider placing a thin strip of padding foam or cotton gauze between the fingers for comfort, protection and prevention of skin abrasions and/or blisters. Keep in mind that your risk of bacterial infection significantly increases with blistering and abrasions on the surface of the skin. Materials used for binding fingers include non-stretch medical/surgical paper tape, self-adherent wrap, electrical tape, small Velcro wraps and rubber bandages. To provide more support (beneficial for dislocated fingers) use a wooden or metal splint along with the tape. Popsicle sticks also work pretty well, just make sure there are no sharp edges that can dig into your skin. If an injury is serious enough to warrant taping, it is serious enough to be evaluated. Once your finger is stabilized, you should see a health care provider for a more comprehensive examination. You will likely need an X-ray to make sure you do not have a severe fracture or other damage. Use the buddy taping method in a pinch until you can seek medical care, but don't use it as a substitute for seeking medical attention. If you are in pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help. Try acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
Summary: Identify the injured finger. Decide which fingers to tape together. Prepare your fingers for taping. Tape your fingers together. Follow up with a doctor for an evaluation.

Problem: Article: ADHD is a medical condition, not a sign of mental weakness or a personal problem. For this reason, in cases where the symptoms of ADHD are serious enough that the DIY suggestions in the sections above don't work, seeing a doctor should be your next step. Only a trained medical professional can definitively diagnose a case of ADHD and decide which treatment options are best. The three types of ADHD are explained below: ADHD, Primarily Inattentive Type. This type of ADHD is characterized by: difficulty sustaining attention; being easily distracted; appears forgetful; appears not to be listening; and demonstrates problems with organization. ADHD, Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type. In this type, children and adults exhibit: trouble sitting still; trouble awaiting turns in groups; talking/humming/making noises; moving around and climbing excessively; fidgeting; and blurting out answers. ADHD, Combined Type. Combined type includes those individuals who meet the criteria for both Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive types. The most widely-known medications used to treat ADHD belong to a class of drugs called stimulants. As their name suggests, these medications stimulate the central nervous system, increasing the user's heart rate and mental activity. Paradoxically, most people with ADHD who take these medications report that they have a calming, focusing effect, rather than leaving them jittery and unable to concentrate. Stimulants have been found to improve ADHD symptoms about 70% of the time. However, everyone reacts to medication a little differently, so it's wise to be willing to experiment with different medicines until you find one that's right for you. Common stimulants used to treat ADHD include Ritalin, Focalin, Adderall, and Concerta. The most common side effects of these stimulants include reduced appetite, difficulty sleeping, and sometimes headaches, stomachaches, and increased blood pressure. However, most side effects can be reduced or eliminated by changing the dosage. For some people, stimulants just don't work very well for treating ADHD. Rarely, stimulants' side effects may be so unpleasant that taking them isn't worth it. Luckily, in these cases, there are some non-stimulant drugs available for treating ADHD. These drugs generally work by increasing the amount of a chemical called norepinephrine in the brain, which makes it easier for most people to focus. As noted above, these drugs affect everyone differently, so be willing to work with your doctor to experiment with different drugs and dosages until you find a treatment that's right for you. Common non-stimulants used to treat ADHD include Strattera, Intuniv, and Kapvay. Intuniv and Kapvay are approved only for children. Side effects for non-stimulants vary from drug to drug. Common side effects include stomachache, decreased appetite, fatigue, mood swings, headache, and irritability. In rare cases, serious problems like liver disease, depression, stunted growth in children, and sexual problems are possible. Clinical treatment for ADHD isn't all about medicine. In fact, many people who struggle with ADHD find that it's both satisfying and productive to talk to an experienced counselor or therapist about their frustrations, difficulties, and successes dealing with their condition. Speaking with someone who's trained to give helpful advice about life's difficulties can offer psychological relief from the stresses caused by ADHD and can even help you adopt responsible, focus-improving behavior patterns. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed to contact a therapist. A 2008 study found that 13 percent of American adults had received some sort of mental health treatment.
Summary:
Talk to a doctor before beginning any treatment program. Consider a stimulant medication. Consider a non-stimulant medication. Consider therapy as an alternative.