Affective temperaments and functional disability modulate depressive symptoms in adulthood

Abstract Background Affective temperaments influence depressive symptoms (DS), and DS correlates with functional disability. However, the interaction between affective temperaments, DS, and functional disability remains unknown. We investigate the interaction effects between affective temperaments and functional disability on DS and those between affective temperaments and DS on functional disability. Methods A total of 558 adult community volunteers in Japan were evaluated using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire version; the Patient Health Questionnaire-9; and the Sheehan Disability Scale. We analyzed the data by using hierarchical multiple regression with interaction effects. Results There were significant interaction effects between affective temperaments and functional disability on DS. The cyclothymic and anxious temperaments positively interacted with total functional disability on DS, while hyperthymic temperament negatively interacted with it. No significant interaction between affective temperaments and DS on functional disability was found. Limitations The cross-sectional design prevented the identification of causal associations between the parameters. Our findings might not be generalizable to patients with affective disorders or other psychiatric conditions. Conclusions This study suggests that functional disability moderates the influence of affective temperaments on DS, but DS may not moderate the influence of affective temperaments on functional disability. To address DS associated with affective temperaments and functional disability, evaluating the interaction effects may be useful in clinical practice.