Objective  To observe effect of sertraline combined with idebenone in early improvement of depression-induced cognitive impairment.

  Methods  A total of 40 depression patients were randomly divided into two groups. The study group was treated with idebenone combined with sertraline, and the control group was treated with sertraline alone. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores before and at 1 month and 2 months after treatment as well as incidence of adverse reactions were compared.

  Results  Before treatment, there were no significant differences in total score of HAMD and scores of each factor between the two groups (P > 0.05). After 1 month and 2 months of treatment, the total scores of HAMD in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). After 1 month of treatment, the cognitive impairment factor score of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P < 0.05). After 2 months of treatment, there were no statistical significant differences in the total score of HAMD and the score of each factor between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05).

  Conclusion  Idebenone combined with sertraline has the function of improving the cognitive impairment of depression in early stage and reducing adverse reactions.