Newer generation antidepressants for depressive disorders in children and adolescents (Review)
Hetrick SE, McKenzie JE, Cox GR, Simmons MB, Merry SN. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 11.
This Cochrane review of newer generation antidepressants in children and adolescents identified 19 trials involving 3335 participants. Overall, these medications showed a statistically significant, but small effect with Fluoxetine demonstrating the strongest benefit. Relative to placebo, these antidepressants had a relatively greater risk of suicidal ideation (.158 times greater than those who received placebo treatment). Due to the limited effectiveness and potential side-effects associated with these medicines, the authors concluded that psychological approaches should be first-line interventions for mild-moderate childhood and adolescent depression.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004851.pub3/pdf