The Neural Basis of Personality Styles Effect on Depression: Brain Structure and Multivariate Pattern Study

Advancements in functional MRI have linked neurostructural and functional architecture to personality traits, but few studies focus on personality styles. This study examines 99 patients with moderate to severe depression and 97 matched controls, categorised into four personality styles using the Eysenck personality questionnaire. The study aims to identify behavioural and neurological differences between depressed and control groups. An SVM algorithm was used to differentiate between these groups within the same personality styles. Results indicated that the depression group exhibited lower grey matter volume in several brain regions, including the left superior parietal, left fusiform, left superior temporal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, right precentral and left cingulate. These neuroanatomical changes facilitated successful discrimination between depressed and control groups. The study provides new insights into the neurobiological basis of personality styles and their role in the development of depression.