Abstract： This study is to discuss the role of state-target syndrome differentiation in treating depression and its application path. Studies indicate that the core of "state-target syndrome differentiation" lies in integrating macro-level "regulation of states" in traditional Chinese medicine with micro-level "targeting" in western medicine. To address the conventional limitations in traditional Chinese medicine，such as "excessive emphasis on axes over states，strong states but weak targets，and strong individuality but weak population-based applicability"，a disease-category-stage-statetarget syndrome differentiation and treatment model is established. In previous studies on depression， state-target syndrome differentiation centers on the core pathogenesis of disorder of qi movement-the liver failing in ensuring free movement of qi-internal injury induced by emotions. It establishes the holistic treatment trajectory through "differentiating states" and achieves precise syndrome types positioning by "classifying syndromes" across stages （early/ middle/late stages）， and age groups （adolescence/adulthood/geriatric）. "Targeting therapy" integrates modern pharmacology with targeted prescriptions （e. g.， Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Radix Alba for neurotransmitter regulation） and state-regulating formulas （e.g.， Sini Powder and Xiaoyao Powder）， adhering to three principles： state-target consistency， neutral drugs without restrictions， and harmonizing role of assisting herbs in inconsistent state-target. State-target syndrome differentiation promotes the integration of traditional Chinese and western medicine for depression in terms of theory，clinical practice，and methodology. It enhances diagnostic standardization and target specificity， offering a new paradigm for modernizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment and diagnosis system and treating and preventing major chronic diseases.