List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Mar-11
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
A meta-analysis of clinical trials of serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants in children found a significant tendency to delay publication of trials with negative findings. The authors of the analysis state that this time-lag bias, while not exclusive to child psychiatry research, has the potential to alter perceptions of antidepressants’ efficacy in children. •Researchers in a meta-analysis examined time to publication for 15 clinical trials of SRI antidepressants for children. •The median time to publication for trials with negative results was nearly twice that of time to publication of trials with positive results. •Authors and other experts cite several factors as contributing to time-lag bias, from industry influence to journal editors’ preferences.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Peer-reviewed published research article.
Explain types of human sources used.
Interviewed lead author of the study.
Results:
The median time to publication for trials with negative results was nearly twice that of time to publication of trials with positive results.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
NA
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Interview the scientists involved in the research whenever possible.