Frontline Examines Hidden Scars of Going to War in 'The Wounded Platoon'

MENTAL HEALTH -- May 18, 2010 at 6:22 PM EDT

Frontline Examines Hidden Scars of Going to War in 'The Wounded Platoon'

"The Wounded Platoon," the latest FRONTLINE documentary, explores the mental health implications of war by focusing on "the dark tale of the men of 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion of the 506th Infantry, and how the war followed them home."

We spoke with Dan Edge, a co-producer, writer and director of the documentary. He joined us by phone from London.

"An unprecedented number of soldiers on the front lines are now taking prescription medication," Edge told us. "This is antidepressants, anti-psychotics and sleeping medication. It's very hard to monitor soldiers' responses to these medications in the chaos of the battlefield essentially. And it's clear that coupled with illegal drugs that some of them are also taking, that could create a dangerous mix."

Hear to our full conversation:

Watch a preview of Tuesday's FRONTLINE:

"The Wounded Platoon" airs Tuesday night on most PBS stations.

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