Collectively, we deduce from these data that MDD patients with an activated inflammatory state (as measured by moderate to high circulating levels of, e.g., CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6, or a high gene expression of, e.g., IL1β, TNF, and MIF in circulating leukocytes) need more than a monotherapy with a predominantly serotonergic agent to improve clinically in a satisfactory way. The gene discussed is MIF; the disease is major depressive disorder.