Interactive dynamic modulation of antidepressant treatment response by serum interleukin-1β and Neuroticism at 12 weeks

This study examined how serum interleukin-1 beta (sIL-1β) interacts with the Big Five personality trait of Neuroticism to influence 12-week antidepressant treatment outcomes in patients with depressive disorders. Baseline measurements of sIL-1β and Neuroticism were obtained from 1086 participants enrolled in a naturalistic, stepwise antidepressant treatment program. Remission was defined as a Hamilton depression rating scale score of 7 or below after 12 weeks of treatment. Using logistic regression models that accounted for sociodemographic and clinical variables, we assessed the independent and interactive effects of these factors on treatment response. Elevated sIL-1β levels were significantly associated with non-remission in participants with high Neuroticism, whereas this relationship was not evident among those with lower Neuroticism levels. Notably, the interaction between sIL-1β and Neuroticism was a significant predictor of remission status, even after adjusting for confounders. Our findings reveal that the dynamic modulation of antidepressant response through the interaction of sIL-1β and Neuroticism could inform more personalized treatment strategies, enhancing clinical outcomes for patients with depression. Future research should continue to explore these biomarker-psychological trait interactions to fully understand their role in treatment efficacy.