Antidepressants in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder and the influence of placebo response: A meta-analysis

•This meta-analysis found a very small effect size in pediatric antidepressant trials.•The effect size was smaller than that typically seen in studies of adult depression.•Study design and likelihood of receiving a placebo may contribute to failed trials.•Pediatric antidepressant clinical trials should be tailored to this population.