Its valuable to be reminded that we are not yet far from a time when one presumed one couldn't be depressed unless there was something "about which to be depressed", in the case of either adults OR children. And it is indeed important to think about therapies not only in short run terms but in long run terms as well. Yes, it would be nice to have more data about the long run consequences of depression, as well as about the long run consequences of therapeutic drug use. And, perhaps, about the long run consequences of other ways that depression is handled in different cultures.  Until that becomes available, we have to do the best we can with what we have, recognizing both its potentials and its uncertainties?  Maybe that's the best approach not only to childhood depression  but also to ... life?