Question: What is your opinion on drugs such as riddlin which have side effects such as slowed metabolism leading to health issues later in life?

Mark Collins answered on 9 Nov 2015:

I think drugs such as Ritalin should only be used when every other avenue has been explored and only as a very last resort. We should instead try to help the patient with support and help from family and friends to support the patient and hopefully the anxiety will pass with a positive mindset and environment without the need to use Ritalin. If the anxiety is so severe that it poses a threat to the patient or those around them then the use of Ritalin can be justified as the long term effects are outweighed by the immediate risk to the patient but if we can help them with positivity and happiness now then this is the best therapy. We should also as scientists continue to investigate and work to improve the available drugs as long term side effects are not something that we as a community should be producing.