To examine the correlation between the symptoms of untreated depression patients and their attention and executive capacity. Methods: Twenty-nine untreated depression patients (depression group) and 30 healthy controls (control group) were enrolled. Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Continuous Performance Test (CPT) were applied to test attention and executive capacity. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate the depression. The correlation between the symptoms of depression and attention and executive capacity was analyzed. Results: The results of total error, perseverative response, trials to complete first category in WCST and the results of omission, reaction standard error, variability of standard error, perseveration in CPT of cases in depression group were higher than those in control group (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between error response (WCST) and HAMD scores (r=0.44, P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between commission (CPT) and HAMD scores (r=-0.41, P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between correct response (WCST) and variability of standard error (CPT) (r=-0.46, P<005). There was a positive correlation between omission (CPT) and course (r=0.46,P<0.05). Conclusion: Untreated patients with depressive disorder have defective attention and executive capacity due to the depressive symptoms.