Magic mushrooms are 'more effective at treating depression than antidepressants'

It was particularly beneficial in older patients and those who had previously taken the drug recreationally, they said.

Lead author Athina-Marina Metaxa said: "In our meta-analysis we found that psilocybin use showed a significant benefit on change in depression scores compared with placebo.

"This review showed a significantly greater efficacy of psilocybin among patients with secondary depression, patients with past use of psychedelics and older patients."

Around one in six Brits suffers depression, with women about twice as likely to have the mental health problem.

It is the most common mental health issue in older people, with around 22 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women aged 65 or over affected.

Previous research has linked taking psilocybin in controlled dosages to an improvement in symptoms.

The latest study, published in The BMJ, reviewed data from seven papers to see what factors influence how well the drug works.

In total, the trials that were analysed involved 436 patients with depression who were either given doses of psilocybin or a placebo, niacin or other psychedelics.

Depression scores were measured before and after treatment to see how well the drugs worked.

The change in depression scores was significantly greater after treatment with psilocybin than with comparable treatments, researchers said.

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Those with secondary depression — meaning they had another illness affecting them that was linked to depression — benefited most, they found.

Metaxa said: "Efficacy did not appear to be homogeneous across patient types.

"For example, those with depression and a life threatening illness appeared to benefit more from treatment.

"Further research is needed to clarify the factors that maximise psilocybin's treatment potential for symptoms of depression."

What are the symptoms of depression?

The psychological symptoms of depression include:

• continuous low mood or sadness
• feeling hopeless and helpless
• having low self-esteem
• feeling tearful
• feeling guilt-ridden
• feeling irritable and intolerant of others
• having no motivation or interest in things
• finding it difficult to make decisions
• not getting any enjoyment out of life
• feeling anxious or worried
• having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself

The physical symptoms of depression include:

• moving or speaking more slowly than usual
• changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
• constipation
• unexplained aches and pains
• lack of energy
• low sex drive (loss of libido)
• disturbed sleep - for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning

Source: The NHS