The U.S. pharmacists distribute five times more Ritalin than the rest of the world combined. No other nation prescribes stimulants for its children in such volume. In fact, the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board has on two recent occasions written to U.S. officials expressing concern about the sixfold increase in Ritalin usage since 1990. Scientific studies on carcinogenicity were finally released in June 1993 revealing that feeding mice Ritalin, induced liver tumors including very rare and highly malignant cancers. These results were found at dosage levels close to those routinely prescribed for children.
Animal tests are very good predictors of human health effects.
In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer suggests that if a chemical is proven to cause cancer in animals, it should be treated as if it were cancer-causing in humans as well. But the response by the FDA and the pharmaceutical company that makes Ritalin was predictable. They do in America. It can also result in mood swings, depression, drug dependence and inclination for criminal activity. I hope it's clear that drugs do NOT cure anxiety, depression nor supposed hyperactivity.