Abstract: 【Objective】 To explore the color preferences and their prediction of emotions in patients with major depressive (MDD) and generalized anxiety (GAD) disorders. 【Methods】 We administered the color preference test

Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) in 45 patients with MDD

28 GAD

and 41 healthy volunteers. 【Results】 MDD and GAD groups more preferred black more than the healthy control group did

the latter group more preferred yellow more than the former two groups did. In MDD group

yellow preference negatively predicted HAMA score; purple preference negatively predicted HAMD score. In GAD group

red preference positively predicted HAMA score

while red

yellow and white preferences positively predicted HAMD scores. 【Conclusion】 There were significant differences on color preferences between patients with MDD and GAD

and their preferences were associated with the scores of HAMA and HAMD in each group. Our finding might provide some support for an optimal color -arrangement in medical settings.