Sertraline is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine reuptake inhibitor that generally takes 2-4 weeks to take effect in the treatment of depression. However, a small number of depressed patients who are less sensitive to the medication, or whose condition is more severe, may need longer time to obtain relatively obvious treatment effect. Therefore, if there is no effect in the short term, patients are advised to patiently continue to take the medication as directed by the doctor for the time being, while self-observing whether the symptoms of depression have been relieved. When 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain decreases, it may cause depressive symptoms such as loss of interest and depressed mood. The application of sertraline can inhibit the reuptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain, thus increasing the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine, which can reduce irritability, fatigue, anxiety and other negative emotions after the effect, and can improve the symptoms caused by depression such as depressed mood, loss of interest and no desire to communicate. However, because the treatment effect of sertraline varies in different depressed patients, some patients may need to increase the dose of the drug or adjust the antidepressant medication according to their conditions, etc. In addition, the adverse effects of sertraline include dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, tremors in the limbs, and increased sweating, etc. If the adverse effects are serious, patients should seek medical treatment promptly. Moreover, treatment of depression requires a relatively long treatment cycle. In addition to medication, psychological guidance and self-mediation are needed, and depressive symptoms should be treated comprehensively from multiple perspectives.