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Dr. Beth E. Ward, MD is a pediatrician in Sacramento, CA specializing in general pediatrics. She graduated from University of Arizona College of Medicine. Dr. Beth E. Ward, MD is affiliated with Sutter Health.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children. Nine percent of children in the USA have been diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms, which include hyperactivity and difficulty maintaining focus or paying attention, can last into adulthood for some patients. Boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed as girls, although experts don't know why this is.
There are three main types of ADHD:
When diagnosing ADHD, it is important to rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms. Seizure disorders, hearing loss, anxiety, and domestic problems are some examples of problems that can cause behaviors similar to those seen with ADHD.
Treatment can include stimulant medications, behavioral therapy to teach patients ways to navigate their world and control symptoms better, and accommodations at school or work. A structured environment (with lots of organization and well-defined rules) seems to help most kids with ADHD function at their best.
ADHD is mainly thought of as a disorder that affects children, but symptoms can last into adulthood for a third to half of those diagnosed. In adults, ADHD has similar symptoms as when it is seen in children: impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or a tendency to fidget. These symptoms can cause problems in a patient's careers and relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Medications can be an important part of treatment for adults, as well as stress reduction techniques and organization skills training. Specialized ADHD coaches can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and succeed in all areas of their life.
Depression
Everyone knows what it feels like to get the blues once in a while. But depression is a serious illness that is more severe than a bad day and lasts much longer. Symptoms of depression stop a person from being able to function and enjoy daily activities for weeks or months at a time. It can happen to anyone, and it isn't something that people can control by force of will or "snap out of it."
Some common symptoms of depression include:
We don't yet know what causes depression, but it's thought that it is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and social influences. Because of this, the most effective treatments for depression combine medication with psychotherapy. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be extremely helpful in resolving the negative thoughts and feelings that come with depression. It gives patients new tools that they can use themselves to cope when their depression is making them feel down.
Some of the common medications used to treat depression include antidepressants such as SSRI's (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) or atypical antidepressants (Cymbalta, Wellbutrin). It's important to remember that these medications have different effects on everybody, and no one medication works right for everyone. Patients may have to try a couple before finding the one that works just right for them. If the first medication they try doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about trying something else. In extreme cases where medication is not enough, electro-convulsive therapy and hospitalization may be the answer to keeping a severely depressed person safe.
Depression is a difficult illness to deal with, but it is more common than believed and there are many people who can help. With the right treatment, individuals with depression can get back to fully enjoying life again.
Dr. Beth E. Ward, MD graduated from University of Arizona College of Medicine. She completed residency at University of California, Davis Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Board Certification: Pediatrics and has a state license in California.
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine
Residency: University of California, Davis Affiliated Hospitals
Board Certification: Board Certification: Pediatrics
Licensed In: California
Dr. Beth E. Ward, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), WellCare, Medicare Advantage, MultiPlan, Magellan Health Services, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, United Healthcare, Cigna, Alliance PPO, HealthSmart, Aetna: Aetna Signature Administrators (ASA), Aetna: Quality Point of Service (QPOS), Aetna: Aetna Student Health Program, Aetna: National Advantage Plan (NAP), Health Net - Currently in 2027 Contract Negotiations: SELECT three-tier POS and SELECT two-tier POS, Large and Small Group, Health Net - Currently in 2027 Contract Negotiations: Health Net HMO: Large Group (101+ employees) & Small Group (2-100 employees), Health Net - Currently in 2027 Contract Negotiations: ELECT Open Access POS, Large and Small Group, Health Net - Currently in 2027 Contract Negotiations: ELECT POS, Large and Small Group, TRICARE: Prime Remote, Aetna: Stanford University Faculty & Staff (SUFS) - Copay Plan - Open Access Aetna Select, Health Net - Currently in 2027 Contract Negotiations: Salud HMO Plus Large/Custom Group, TRICARE: Select (formerly TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra), TRICARE: Retired Reserve, Aetna: Aetna Choice POS II, Aetna: Traditional Choice, Aetna: HMO Deductible Plans, Aetna: Managed Choice POS, Aetna: Health Fund POS, Aetna: Open Access Elect Choice EPO, Aetna: Stanford University Faculty & Staff (SUFS) ACA High Deductible Health Plan POS II (ACA HDHP-POS II), Aetna: Aetna Select Open Access, Sutter Health Plan: Individual and Family Plan HMO, Provider Networks of America: PPO, Aetna: Health Fund HMO (aka HMO/HRA), TRICARE: Reserve Select, Health Net - Currently in 2027 Contract Negotiations: PPO for Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)/Covered California, Aetna: Open Access Managed Choice POS, Health Net - Currently in 2027 Contract Negotiations: Health Net PPO, TRICARE: Extended Care Option (ECHO), Aetna: HMO, Sutter Health Plan: Large and Small Group HMO, TRICARE: Prime, Aetna: Open Choice PPO, SCAN: Sutter Senior Advantage, a SCAN Medicare Plan (HMO), Aetna: Aetna Select EPO, Aetna: Stanford University Faculty & Staff (SUFS) High Deductible Health Plan POS II (HDHP POS II) and TRICARE: Young Adult.
According to our sources, Dr. Beth E. Ward, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Beth E. Ward, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 124 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Beth E. Ward, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Sacramento, CA.
Dr. Beth Ward practices general pediatrics in Sacramento, CA. She is rated 4.5 stars (out of 5) by her patients.
