Objective To explore the efficacy of group cognitive behavioral therapy for improving depressive symptoms and social functional in patients with major depressive disorder.Methods A total of 160 patients with major depressive disorder were randomly divided into intervention group (n=80) and control group (n=80).Intervention group was treated with conventional antidepressants combined with group cognitive behavioral therapy.Control group was treated with one conventional antidepressants.All participants were assessed with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD)and Scale of Social function of Psychosis Inpatients (SSFPI) before and 8 weeks after the treatment.Results After 8 weeks treatment,the scores of HAMD (14.76±9.48) was significantly reduced and the scores of SSFPI(30.09±4.34) were significantly increased in intervention group compared with the baseline ((37.91± 10.58),(12.40±2.56),all P＜0.01).The scores of HAMD were significantly lower and the scores of SSFPI were significantly higher in intervention group than that in control group((20.71±7.85),(22.63±3.63),all P＜0.01).Conclusion Group cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for major depressive disorder patients by reducing depressive symptom and improving social function.