Ep 38. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

In the thirty-eighth episode of the second season of Larry King Now, the focus is on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The episode delves deep into the different aspects of PTSD, discussing what it is, what causes it, and how it can be treated.

Larry’s first guest in this episode is Dr. Terri A. Gleason, a licensed clinical psychologist and an expert on PTSD. Dr. Gleason explains that PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after a person goes through a traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD, such as vicious flashbacks, nightmares, or severe anxiety, can persist for years and have a debilitating effect on the person’s life. Dr. Gleason talks about the different types of trauma that can cause PTSD, such as sexual assault, war, natural disasters, and more.

Larry’s next guest is Israel Del Toro Jr, a retired Senior Airman and a war veteran who suffered from severe PTSD. Israel shares his personal story of how he was injured in an explosion while on active duty, and how he struggled with PTSD for years after returning home. Israel talks about the different ways in which PTSD affected his life, from his relationships with his family to his ability to work and function in society. He also explains how he eventually found hope and healing through therapy and peer support groups.

In the next part of the episode, Larry talks to Dr. John F. Kelly, Director of the Recovery Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Kelly shares his insights on the latest research on PTSD and the different approaches to treating the condition. He discusses the use of medications, therapy, and other interventions, and emphasizes the importance of finding individualized treatment plans that work best for each patient. Dr. Kelly also talks about the societal and political challenges that face PTSD sufferers, such as the stigma associated with seeking help and the lack of access to mental health care for veterans or low-income populations.

The episode concludes with a panel discussion featuring Dr. Gleason, Israel, and Dr. Kelly, where Larry asks them to reflect on what they’ve learned. Together, they emphasize the importance of understanding the prevalence and impact of PTSD, and the urgent need to address the issue on both an individual and societal level. They encourage viewers to seek help if they or someone they know may be suffering from PTSD, and to support policies that increase access to mental health resources for all.

Overall, this episode of Larry King Now provides an informative and empathetic view on PTSD, featuring expert insights and personal narratives that shed light on the realities of this complex and debilitating condition.