Childhood Depression

White, middle-class boys vented their anger - and some say their depression - by committing mass murders at several suburban schools in recent years. Depression, which in boys can manifest itself as hostility and violence, is not only increasing but also appearing in younger and younger children, some mental health specialists warn. Many experts argue for more school-based counselors, because untreated depression can disrupt a child's life or even lead to suicide. Others worry about the implications of providing mental health services in schools. Meanwhile, antidepressant prescriptions for youngsters have skyrocketed in recent years, raising concern that they are being overprescribed for children, sometimes without accompanying talk therapy.