What is the best initial treatment for a 24-year-old man experiencing dysphoria and feelings of worthlessness for three years?

The best initial treatment for a 24-year-old man experiencing dysphoria and feelings of worthlessness for an extended period, such as three years, is pharmacotherapy combined with psychotherapy. This approach effectively addresses both the biological and psychological aspects of depressive disorders.

Pharmacotherapy provides symptomatic relief by using antidepressant medications, which can balance neurotransmitters that affect mood, helping to alleviate feelings of worthlessness and dysphoria. However, relying solely on medication may not address the underlying issues contributing to these feelings.

Simultaneously, psychotherapy offers a platform for the individual to explore their thoughts and emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall emotional resilience. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, in particular, is known to be effective in treating depressive symptoms by challenging and changing negative thought patterns.

The combination of these two methods allows for a more comprehensive treatment approach, often leading to better outcomes compared to using either treatment modality alone. For example, while psychotherapy alone can be beneficial, it may take longer to see improvement, especially in cases that have persisted for years.

Similarly, pharmacotherapy alone might not provide long-lasting changes in behavior and cognitive patterns, making it less effective in the long term if not combined with therapeutic support. Therefore, the integration