If you feel overwhelmed and generally stressed out, have you considered laughter as a form of therapy? how about radical honest, - telling people what you really think? In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, the new science of stress, and some innovative solutions.

SEGMENT 1

We've known that stress can cause ulcers and heart disease. Now, researchers say chronic stress can alter the structure of the brain. Stanford University neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky tells Steve Paulson how trauma can actually erase human memory. Also, Mary Roach (a contributing editor to Health magazine) tells Jim Fleming about the latest rage in Bombay, India - laughing clubs.

SEGMENT 2:

Psychotherapist Brad Blanton has spent much of his career searching for ways to beat stress. The real problem, he says, is that we're chronic liars. He explains to Judith Strasser why lying is the main cause of stress. Blanton is the author of "Radical Honesty."

SEGMENT 3:

Suppose what gets you down isn't some garden-variety stress, but real trauma - crippling emotional pain left over from a nighmarish childhood. Psychotherapist Lilliam Rubin tells Steve Paulson that even the most traumatic childhood can be overcome. Rubin is the author of "The Transcendent Child."

Distribution dates:

• week of 10/20/96 - hour 2
• week of 04/06/97 - hour 2