may view stigma as a minor problem when looking at the other obstacles children with mental illness may face, others view it as a major problem because of the negative impact it can have on a child's treatment and self perception. stigma within the family can cause a delay in the diagnosis of mental health disorders, delaying treatment. it can also cause children to be hesitant in seeking treatment, even when they are experiencing clear mental health symptoms. this is especially true for boys who are more likely than girls to avoid seeking out treatment because of the fear of experiencing stigma. controversy and alternatives there are people such as thomas szasz and peter breggin who say child psychiatry should be made illegal because behaviours are not diseases. they believe psychiatric drugging is a form of child abuse. psychotropic medication has been used at an increasing rate over a few decades, and while having limited information on the effects on a child's development, they are used as a first choice for treatment. comparatively, alternatives such as general, complementary, and need-based therapy aren't utilized as much. a brain in development has different needs in order to function how it is intended, and psychiatric medicine can disrupt and alter that development and lead to more issues or complications. psychiatric medication has a vast quantity of side effects including but not limited to : drowsiness, fatigue, weight gain, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and disinterest in activities. alternative treatments are more effective person by person and can be incorporated into regular treatments or to slowly wean off of medication.