Chris,
I responded to you on the processing speed thread and here again I find similarities. Depression has been brought up with our son 11, but not as early as 8. What I've been told is that anxiety, depression, & ADHD can be very difficult to sort out. They share symptoms, and often anxiety leads to depression and ADHD also can lead to depression. Throw in the OE piece and it can seem overwhelming (especially if you're ADHD :)).
My son has always had extra sensitivities and I think that depression can easily grow out of that. That "he really does feel just as bad as he says he feels" is so important here. One of the keys to overcoming depression is being able to acknowledge and talk about feelings. My 11 year old has learned to shut out and avoid painful feelings so much that it is difficult to get to the origin of the feeling. If your is talking, I'd just keep encouraging that behavior and take his word very seriously.
Sorry, hindsight is always so easy!
