Depression is caused by the interaction of multiple causes, where depressive patients show significant and persistent emotional changes. γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, whose abnormal content and function are related to the pathogenesis of depression. Anesthetics exert their effects via GABA receptors. The use of propofol, ketamine and other anesthetics against depression gradually expanded. This article discussed the relationship between depression and dysfunctioned GABA‑ergic system and the imbalance of GABA‑glutamatergic system, as well as the interaction between GABA and neuroendocrine disorder in patients with depression. On the above discussion, the mechanisms by which intravenous anesthetics (propofol, etomidate) and ketamine, inhalation anesthetics (isoflurane, sevoflurane) and benzodiazepines exert their effects on depression through GABA‑ergic system were explored. These findings can provide new targets for the treatment and new thoughts for the compatibility of perioperative anesthetics, so as to relieve the adverse effects of surgical stress on depression.