Mary Alice,

All of the above. Children do suffer from depression for various reasons. I did, but didn't get any treatment until after I left home. I can trace it back to when I was 9 years old by my writing, but probably actually even further than that - I started self injuring by the time I was 5. There could be various reasons - social issues, being picked on or bullied, abuse, family situations, etc. But antidepressants are not often tested and evaluated for use with children, and caution is definitely called for. Just like with adults, I don't think that antidepressants are the total answer.

It has been known for certain antidepressants to have bad effects on kids, but as far as adult suicide rates being higher after starting antidepressants, I don't blame that on the drug. The highest risk for suicide has been known to be after people start feeling better and getting some energy back. So, all it means is that the medicine was probably starting to work. Still, the warning is probably a good idea if it will mean better monitoring at that time.

<font color=orange>"They accused us of suppressing freedom of expression. This was a lie and we could not let them publish it." ... from the Director of Censorship...

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