Often it is misdiagnosed, and not until recently had medications for treating it been all that good. New medications, however, are better. Psychotherapy can be helpful, but only when used in conjunction with medication. Yes it is, especially among adolescent males. Often depression is overlooked in this age group.
New studies show that antidepressants are effective with children.
There is a great deal of hope. New medications are coming out all the time that are more effective and have fewer side effects. We are also learning more about the brain and how these illnesses effect brain chemistry.