Around 4.4% of individuals in the United States are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to National Institute of Mental Health. With the advent of telemedicine, several options have come up for people to get diagnosed online, and get access to prescription stimulants medicines like Vyvanse, Ritalin, Adderall, Focalin etc.
Editor’s note: If you believe you have mild ADHD, it’s also a good idea to checkout legal over-the-counter Adderall/Ritalin alternatives like Mind Lab Pro and Brain Pill, which don’t require prescription and work almost as good for several users, although choosing an otc alternative, nootropic stack/supplement that works best for you can be a process of trial & error.
Read full list of otc generic Adderall alternatives/nootropic supplements that don’t require prescription.
For people considering various drugs for ADHD treatments/cognitive enhancements, refer to the chart comparing Adderall vs Ritalin vs Vyvanse vs Mind Lab Pro.
There are telemedicine services like Hello Ahead, Done first, ADHD online etc. which can get your ADHD or other mental health issues diagnosed online, and prescribe script accordingly. However, getting prescription for Vyvanse, Adderall, Ritalin, Focalin might still be as difficult as offline diagnosis. Read Hello AHEAD review & guide to their ADHD diagnostic process.
Checkout full list of Adderall telemedicine providers.
Introduction
There is no single medical, physical, or genetic test for ADHD, however a diagnostic examination may be done by a skilled mental health professional or physician who compiles information from many sources.
These sources include checklists of symptoms for ADHD, standardized behavior rating scales, a full history of previous and present functioning, and information from family members or significant others who know the individual well.
As a last check, some doctors may also do assessment tests of cognitive ability and academic accomplishment. It's impossible to make an accurate diagnosis of ADHD only in a few minutes of office time or a conversation with the patient.
Diagnosticians need to collect a full history of an individual's life since the person may not always display ADHD symptoms during an office visit. Co-occurring medical conditions must also be taken into account when making an ADHD diagnosis.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides the American Psychiatric Association's clinical recommendations & guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD.
Research and clinical practice both rely heavily on these well-established guidelines. The doctor will attempt to discover whether or not these symptoms are present in the adult and whether or not they were present in childhood during an examination. Adults may have different manifestations of these symptoms than when they were children.
At least five of the ADHD symptoms must be present for an adult to get a successful diagnosis and get tested positive for ADHD.
How do your physicians know for sure that you do, in fact, suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is diagnosed by the clinician on the basis of the patient's symptoms, their severity & duration, and the degree to which these symptoms impede different aspects of their lives, such as their relationships with family and friends, school and jobs or other activities.
Diagnostic criteria for ADHD might be met even if there are no hyperactivity or impulsive symptoms. The doctor must evaluate whether these symptoms are caused by other disorders, or if they are impacted by coexisting conditions.
It is likely that some of the symptoms were apparent before the age of 12. An adult, such as a parent or other family member, is usually required to verify this information. In order to get a diagnosis of ADHD, there must be considerable impairment in at least two key areas of the person's life. The term "impairing" relates to how ADHD affects a person's daily life.
Losing a job because of ADHD symptoms, having a marriage break up because of excessive conflict and distress, running into financial difficulties because of impulsive spending, failing to pay bills on time, or being placed on academic probation in college are just a few instances where “impairment” can be observed.
It is possible that a person may not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as a clinical condition, if they show signs of ADHD but show no severe “impairment” or impact in various aspects of life.
What are the signs and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder?
The following three groups happen to be the most frequent symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Each person, however, may experience symptoms in a unique way.
- Inattention
- Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity
ADHD symptoms might mirror those of other medical disorders or behavioral issues. People who may not have ADHD may experience many of the same symptoms as those who do. Inability to sit still or occasional forgetfulness aren't symptoms of ADHD.
However, as long as these symptoms get in the way of your daily life, it's a good idea for you to get help from a mental health specialist. It is essential that the symptoms have a considerable impact on one's ability to operate at home and at work.
Can you Fake an ADHD Diagnosis?
Faking ADHD symptoms has been shown in tests to be quite a feasible way to depict the condition. Fakers are most likely to succeed on ADHD symptoms checklists. There may be secondary advantages to a diagnosis of ADHD, like buying & having access to prescription stimulants drugs.
Who can make a proper diagnosis of ADD or ADHD?
Adults with symptoms of ADHD should be evaluated by a competent mental health professional or a physician for proper diagnosis. They might be psychiatrists, neurologists, family doctors, or any other sort of doctor. Another option is clinical social workers.
Professionals should be inquired about their training and expertise in the treatment of individuals who have ADHD. It is more crucial to have an accurate diagnosis and a successful treatment plan from an adult ADHD specialist with experience, regardless of the kind of degree he holds.
How can I know whether I need a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
There are major issues in one or more aspects of a person's life for most individuals who seek an examination for ADHD. Problems such as these are among the most frequent.
- Employment or career instability; a pattern of frequent job changes or terminations
- A history of academic and/or professional failure
- It's difficult for you to keep up with day-to-day obligations like taking care of your family's financial commitments or doing domestic chores.
- Relationship difficulties are caused by a lack of effort.
- A tendency to lose track of crucial details or to get quickly agitated about trivial matters
- Anxiety and tension owing to a lack of success in accomplishing objectives and meeting obligations.
- Sentiments of rage, resentment, or a sense of being held responsible
A trained specialist can assess if these issues are the result of ADHD, some other underlying condition, or a mix of these factors. ADHD may manifest in children as early as age three, although other people don't have major symptoms until well into adulthood.
ADHD symptoms may not become problematic until later in life for certain very brilliant and talented people, such as those in high school, college, or on the path to a job in academia. In such circumstances, the effects of ADHD symptoms may have been minimized until the person has started to live on his or her own as a young adult.
Diagnosis and Screening for Additional Mental Health Issues
You can't just look at a child and say, "Is he/she hyperactive?" Identifying a disease in an adult is even more difficult due to the fact that individuals have become adept at concealing or masking symptoms over the years. In certain circumstances, it's also necessary to rule out things like learning difficulties/disabilities or mood problems.
But the most crucial aspect of a full ADHD examination is a structured or semi-structured interview that offers a thorough history of the person. The interviewer asks a pre-determined, standardized set of questions so as to increase reliability and decrease the chances that a different interviewer would come up with a different diagnosis.
As a part of the examination, the examiner will look for any co-occurring or similar mental conditions. Depression, anxiety disorders, learning difficulties, and drug/substance abuse are among the most prevalent problems.
The diagnosis and treatment of all co-existing conditions are essential when ADHD is present. ADHD treatment often fails because co-existing conditions are not addressed. When the ADHD symptoms are secondary to depression, anxiety, or some other psychiatric disorder, failing to recognize this can result in the wrong treatment of the individual for ADHD. In other cases, treating ADHD will eliminate the need for additional treatment for other mental conditions.
It is the examiner's job to look for patterns that are typical of people with ADHD and to determine whether or not symptoms that look like ADHD are being caused by something other than ADHD.
DONEFIRST ADHD Diagnosis & Telemedicine Service Review
Review: As a tech company at its core, Done ADHD is well-versed in the management of customized medication regimens. Telemedicine allows them to connect with you and their team of psychiatrists, who can help you get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and develop an actionable strategy for dealing with it. A Telehealth doc can prescribe ADHD medications and adjust dosages as needed after discussing your symptoms and determining what steps you can take to feel better quickly.
Also, if you don't want to buy stimulant-based ADHD medications, DONE will guide you on the alternative methods of regaining focus and memory. ADHD Telemedicine companies like Done and Ahead conduct a quick assessment, connect you with a doctor or nurse practitioner, and then take purchase order for your prescription medication & deliver right to your door.
However, as of late, some user reviews have been overwhelmingly negative (2021 onward). One patient was allegedly left without a prescription for more than two months because of poor communication and mismanagement by the Done Team on Reddit and elsewhere. User feedback indicates that they are frequently unresponsive.
In our opinion, DONE may have seemed like a promising company in 2020, however it’s a possibility that their staff has become overburdened due to the high volume of patients who have requested their ADHD diagnosis services. Because of this, some patients have had a terrible experience.
Overall, DONE appears to have provided a positive experience for some patients seeking ADHD diagnosis and medication. However, for others, the experience hasn’t been as good.
How does DONEFRST ADHD work?
1. Fill out a One-Minute Evaluation
Your doctor can schedule an evaluation the same week if it appears that ADHD is a possibility. Once you've paid $20, you'll be charged $179 two days before your appointment. Appointments are typically scheduled either online or in-person, depending on your preference. COVID-19 mandates that all appointments be virtual.
2. The second thing you should do is fill out a brief medical history form.
3. A diagnosis is made by a doctor after an online consultation with you
In this visit, they'll review your symptoms, discuss any concerns you have, and determine the best course of action for you. You and your doctor will discuss your treatment options, including prescription medications. Finally, your doctor will assist you in setting goals and devising a strategy for future appointments.
4. The Final Step
Get your medication, including any that may be beneficial, delivered right to your door, as part of your treatment (if applicable).
According to DONE, "Stimulants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD, and have proven to be incredibly helpful for some people". Buying non-stimulants, such as Wellbutrin and Strattera, are also promoted by DONE as effective treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
For those who prefer not to buy medication, DONE offers dietary counseling, vitamins & other natural supplements, and mindfulness exercises to help you deal with your ADHD without resorting to medication.
DoneFirst Cost
To get started with Done, you'll pay $199 upfront and $79 a month for the rest of your subscription. Individualized therapy, free delivery of medicines, and ongoing support are all included in this service.
Done ADHD is not covered by insurance, so no doctor visits or membership fees. Your medicines, once bought will be delivered directly to your door by Done's partner Pharmblue if you don't change them to a different pharmacy.
According to GoodRx statistics, a typical one-month supply of generic Adderall would cost you $25 at most major pharmacies. How much does it cost to get a life-altering treatment? Not inexpensive, but everyone who has gone through it understands that the price is well worth it.
If I use Done, am I guaranteed to receive a prescription medication, like Vyvanse or Adderall?
No. Despite a diagnosis of ADHD, no doctor or service can legally promise a patient a controlled substance. In addition to those who are sensitive to stimulants or who are addicted to them, it's possible that some people may be trying to use DONE's services in order to gain access to drugs like Adderall, which is a Schedule I controlled substance. So no, you're not guaranteed to get Adderall, Vyvanse or Ritalin with DONE or with any other ADHD telemedicine diagnosis & treatment services.
As a result, medications like Adderall are often cited as the most effective treatments for ADHD (Pubmed), and your doctor at DONE will keep this in mind when putting up your treatment plan.
How to get prescribed vyvanse online? Where can I buy study drugs/legal generic vyvanse for sale?
Vyvanse cannot be purchased like any otc vitamins from Amazon. It's possible to get a prescription for Vyvanse from an online doctor who can diagnose and treat you for ADHD (if they believe that's what's going on). Checkout legal otc Vyvanse alternatives like MindLabPro and full list of Adderall/Vyvanse telemedicine providers.
According to Shire, the manufacturer of Vyvanse, the following is what this medication can be used for:
- Drugs like Vyvanse contain dexamphetamine, a stimulant that affects the brain's naturally-occurring chemicals that are linked to hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- To treat ADHD, the prescription stimulant drug Vyvanse (classified as amphetamine) may be prescribed. It has been shown to improve the attention span, concentration, and other mental aspects.
For this reason, it is classed as amphetamine, which affects the central nervous system. Vyvanse is also beneficial in treating other behavioral issues, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
If you are looking to get study drugs for sale, or access to Adderall, Vyvanse or Focalin prescription without a doctor, or getting ADHD medication without a diagnosis, it might be a good idea to look into MindLabPro and other accessible options at legal otc Vyvanse alternatives.
What are the best online ADHD testing, diagnosis & treatment telemedicine services?
1. HELLO AHEAD
Review: For many people looking to get diagnosed with ADHD, Hello AHEAD is a worthwhile investment, despite the fact that it's not cheap to get started with them. To be on the cutting edge of online ADHD diagnosis and treatment, Ahead is using telemedicine and teletherapy, which have completely transformed the way we interact with doctors to get the help we need.
As if that weren't rare enough, it's possible to get a doctor and prescription medication delivered to your door at the same time. Then there's the fact that it's so simple to do. Ahead is an excellent option for people who want to overcome their inability to focus and lead a healthy, productive lifestyle. In fact, for many people, it might be the more cost-effective option than visiting a doctor in real life.
2. CREBRAL
Review: Online mental health care, including diagnosis & prescriptions, is convenient and affordable with Cerebral.
In some states, you may be able to receive therapy and prescription medications like Adderall/Ritalin through one of three CEREBRAL’s subscription options. This service is truly comprehensive for those who live in one of 35 states where Cerebral is available for treatment.
3. DONEFIRST
Review: To distinguish itself from private practice psychiatrists, DONE provides superior speed and convenience in the treatment of mental health issues. The one-minute assessment is available to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements and resides in one of the states they serve. Overall, DONE appears to have provided a positive experience for some patients seeking ADHD diagnosis and medication. However, for others, the experience hasn’t been as good.
Adderall vs Vyvanse vs Ritalin for studying & ADHD management– Comparison of amphetamines smart pills & study enhancer drugs, and their effects on studying and performance
Adderall vs Ritalin/Focalin – which is better for studying (Difference between Adderall and Ritalin’s mechanisms – How do they work?)
Although there are many user reviews of people liking pharmaceutical cognitive enhancer Focalin better than Adderall, because of less side effects and more efficiency, what works best for one individual is dependent on what kind of ADHD the person has. For ADHD caused by excessive reuptake of dopamine, Ritalin and Focalin might work better while in theory, Adderall (dex-AMP) would work best for ADHD caused by not enough dopamine production.
Experts believe that you either do well on one or the other, because amphetamines and methlyphenates are rarely interchangeable. Both can help but one class will be far more helpful or have fewer side effects. Though it is also possible to need both Adderall and Ritalin/Focalin if both your dopamine production and reuptake are impacted. There are doctors near you who might prescribe one, based on your ADHD type.
Vyvanse vs Ritalin for studying: which is better?
Earlier research that compared other stimulant drugs with the active ingredient in Vyvanse found that it's about equally effective as Adderall. However, a 2013 study found Vyvanse to be considerably more efficient at minimizing ADHD symptoms than the active ingredient in Ritalin. For some people, Vyvanse might require higher doses which can lead to side effects.
However, for off label purposes, buying online for cognitive & performance enhancement, many people like switching to Ritalin or Focalin, from Vyvanse. With Focalin or Ritalin, people don't seem to get that “intense tunnel vision focus” and yet feel the focusing effects, but it's much more subtle and with better motivation that comes with calm & focused mind. It's the mindset of "shut up and do it" versus "this is fun & I am motivated to do it" though things can change if tolerance builds up for Ritalin(methylphenidate).
Adderall vs Vyvanse: Which is better tolerated?
Some people believe that Vyvanse gives them fewer side effects and is better tolerated. Both products are derivatives of amphetamines. The difference is Adderall consists of amphetamine salts (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), whereas Vyvanse is prodrug including lisdexamfetamine, which the body changes to dextroamphetamine. However, both with Adderall and Vyvanse, people seem to get that "intense tunnel vision" of focusing effects, without caring about the surroundings, although with side effects. This has led some people to seek alternatives.
Focalin vs Concerta/Ritalin : which works better?
Focalin XR 20 mg and 30 mg exhibited considerably better symptom control versus Concerta (an extended-release form version of methylphenidate Ritalin) 36 mg and 54 mg respectively, coming from 30 minutes upto 6 hours. Focalin seems to act faster and better than Concerta. Dexmethylphenidate is the more active part of methylphenidate, which is why Focalin is considered twice as strong, on a mg for mg basis, as compared to Ritalin and Concerta.
However, there are plenty of facts to consider when determining which treatment is best for a patient, including lifestyle implications. The results of study illustrate the advantages of Focalin XR during the early part of the day, which may be considerably better for children who need their medication to begin functioning prior to leaving for school and continue doing work during the day.
How to intensify Vyvanse?
One of the best ways to intensify products like Vyvanse is to use them with other natural nootropics like MindLabPro that enhance brain health, reduce anxiety like melatonin, lions mane, cognizin etc. and other ingredients found in natural ADHD supplements.
Vyvanse vs Adderall XR for ADHD and study performance
The drugs are different in their length of action: Vyvanse gives you 10 to 12 hours of symptom control and requires up to 1 hour before it first takes effect. Adderall XR can last for 10 hours, but the immediate-release formulation only lasts 6 hours.
Vyvanse vs Concerta; which works better for managing ADHD and cognitive enhancement
Concerta and Vyvanse belong to the same category of medicines — stimulants — and they have comparable pitfalls and considerations. Both Concerta and Vyvanse are well-known choices for the treatment of ADHD and study drugs. Which of the two medications is preferable would be determined by an individual’s experience. Having said that, Vyvanse seems to be stronger than Concerta. In one study, patients who took Vyvanse had a slightly larger reduction in the score (25.4 point reduction) in comparison to people who took Concerta (22.1 point reduction) or placebo (17 point reduction). In this analysis, Vyvanse was identified to be “statistically superior” to Concerta.
Adderall vs Ritalin comedown/crash comparison
Amphetamines usually have the minimum levels of cravings and depression because they “release dopamine”. They don't block the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Ritalin, in general, has the worst comedown of these study enhancers, since it's dopamine and norepinephrine re-uptake blocker.
Adderall on the other hand is a norepinephrine and dopamine releaser meaning that the amphetamine salts in Adderall boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by causing the neurons to release more of them. Releasers, as opposed to reuptake inhibitors are able to cause much higher amounts of these chemicals in the brain by merely releasing more of them and generally have a smoother, more clean sensation experienced by most people and have a smoother less jittery comedown.
In that sense, Focalin and Concerta are better options than Ritalin. One user states "I started with Ritalin, which worked really well. However, when I came down I became very nasty and was a horrible person to be around, which was rough on my mother since I was in second grade". In general, Adderall crash is more tolerable as compared to Ritalin crash.
If you are looking to buy Focalin or Concerta without prescription, you can order at MindLabPro and other accessible legal otc Focalin/Concerta alternatives.
Adderall vs Vyvanse comedown/crash comparison
Adderall gives people the aggression they need, but Vyvanse usually is smoother and more subtle lacking any aggressiveness and has cleaner/more tolerable comedown. This might be because two drugs are metabolized completely differently. One makes all the amphetamine you ingested available [before it reaches blood stream] (adderall) whereas the other doesn't make amphetamine available until the enzymes in [red blood cells] are able to make it available (vyvanse).
How to manage side effects/ come down effects of ADHD drugs?
One way is to use them in combination with or with on-off cycling with natural nootropic supplements like MindLabPro that increase & optimize dopamine levels in the brain.
FAQs on ADHD diagnosis, medications and treatments
What is the best mild ADHD medication?
Currently, natural nootropic supplements like Mind Lab Pro and Brain Pill are one of the best mild ADHD treatments available. These products naturally increase dopamine levels in the brain, and help with focus and attention and are available over the counter without prescription. If your ADHD is mild and the symptoms aren’t moderate or severe, it’s a good idea to try over the counter Adderall/Ritalin alternatives before going for prescription stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin etc.
What is the best over the counter non-stimulant/non addictive adhd medication for adults?
Natural nootropics like Mind Lab Pro and Brain Pill are among the best otc products. Read full list of otc nootropics for ADHD & cognitive enhancement.
What is the best natural treatment for mild ADHD?
While drugs and supplements may help treating mild ADHD, experts suggest enhancing their effect with behavioral therapy, nutrition and lifestyle changes, and/or brain training, amongst other natural therapies built to increase concentration and impulsivity. For people with mild ADHD, the best ADHD treatment plan includes several of these techniques — used simultaneously and creatively.
What is Conners’ ADHD test?
The Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS™) scales assess the existence and severity of ADHD symptoms to help establish with certainty if ADHD is a contributing factor to a patient's difficulties. Key Features: Measures the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms.
Internet self-rating scales (Intuitive self-evaluation tools)
A wide variety of surveys and lists of symptoms may be found on the Internet for those with attention deficit disorder (ADHD). However, most of these surveys are neither standardized nor scientifically tested and should not be used for self-diagnosis or to diagnose others with ADHD. Unless you're a doctor or other licensed professional, you won't be able to get an accurate diagnosis. However, they might be a good starting point, if you are looking for ADHD quiz, such as Psychcentral.com and ADHDadulthood.
How do doctors detect fake ADHD? Could I be faking my ADHD?
It is possible for individuals to pretend that they have ADHD, when they don't and doctors can detect fake ADHD in various ways. If an adult is self-referred for ADHD and begins asking particularly for stimulant medication, that raises red flags and fake ADHD and drug seeking is more probable. In the midst of a growing epidemic of ADHD diagnoses, a study concludes that almost one in four adults who arrive at doctors' offices looking for treatment may be exaggerating or even faking their symptoms.
Do I have ADHD or am I just depressed?
Adult ADHD is usually misdiagnosed as depression or an anxiety disorder, and can be disregarded as the reason behind such conditions. ADHD is often accompanied with anxiety and depression, since issues with executive brain functions can set-off both. An individual who has got ADHD may have a tough time falling asleep as a result of an active mind and not being tired. On the other hand, a person with depression may feel tired but cannot sleep due to negative thoughts and insomnia, may wake up during the night, or sleep a long time.
What is methylphenidate/Ritalin used for? Where can I buy methylphenidate online for sale?
Ritalin functions by raising the dopamine levels released in the striatum, a key area in the human brain associated with motivation, action and cognition. Methylphenidate (MPH) non-competitively blocks the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline into the terminal by blocking dopamine transporter (DAT) and noradrenaline transporter (NAT), thereby enhancing levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the synaptic cleft. Dopamine is a molecule that carries signals between nerve cells, and clinical studies demonstrate that increased levels of dopamine cause humans and rodents to have more motivation and accomplish physically & mentally strenuous tasks. Ritalin is an increasingly popular option amongst college students who make use of it without a prescription as a so-called “study enhancer.” If you are looking to buy methylphenidate/Ritalin or Vyvanse without prescription, checkout MindLabPro and other accessible legal otc Vyvanse/Ritalin alternatives.
Am I lazy or do I have adhd ?
People with ADD/ADHD have brains that operate in a different way than those who don’t have the condition and differently from lazy people. Lazy individuals generally don’t endeavor to accomplish tasks at work, school, or home. ADD/ADHD people, on the other hand may attempt really, really hard but even so can’t attend to what they would like to attain. This can trigger discouragement, low self-esteem, and feeling terrible about your competencies. However, Procrastination is also a symptom of ADHD which might sometimes be wrongly identified as laziness.
Can you have mild ADHD?
Clinicians can specify the severity of ADHD in an individual as “mild,” “moderate” or “severe” according to the criteria in the DSM-5. A handful of symptoms beyond the specified number for diagnosis exist, and the signs lead to minor impairment in social, school or work settings. Even the “milder” inattention symptoms can influence a person's life in a big way. Mild ADHD symptoms might not have an impact on your conduct or behavior at school or work but you might nevertheless encounter a lot of complications while focusing, staying organized, or performing tasks in the right way and timely.
Do you have to be hyper to have ADHD (Can you have ADHD without hyperactivity)?
Doctors and mental health professionals may likely diagnose ADHD with a predominantly inattentive presentation (without hyperactivity).
Can I Use Wellbutrin for ADHD?
Wellbutrin might be prescribed jointly with stimulant medication such as Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) or Ritalin (methylphenidate) if an individual has ADHD and a co-existing condition of depression, or it could be prescribed as a single treatment drug in an attempt to address both conditions. Even though Wellbutrin is not a first-line medication for ADHD, it is typically beneficial in treating ADHD symptoms, especially when you have co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety. It is usually prescribed in addition to another ADHD medication or as a stand-alone option.
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