Psychosocial health screening and recognizing early signs of psychosocial distress

Mental health issues are a common cause of psychosocial distress in men over the age of 55, and are a common cause of disability due to problems of disturbance of mood, substance use issues, and cognitive difficulties. The physician's ongoing relationship with the older male patient is highly personal and enables the clinician to key in on events and changes in his life that may predispose to mental illness. Doctors have the opportunity to reduce long-term disability and suffering caused by mental and emotional distress through early recognition and anticipation of common mental health problems.