ADHD, PANS, PANDAS & Autoimmune: Nervous System Dysregulation Explained

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, pioneering mental health expert and author of "It's Gonna Be OK," to reveal how chronic compounded stress drives nervous system dysregulation and fuels the rise of autoimmune disease.Dr. Roseann explains why "shopping cart diagnoses"—collecting labels without treating the root cause—keep patients stuck, and how regulating the nervous system through breathwork, neurofeedback, nutrition, and sleep unlocks the body's ability to heal.This conversation is a game-changer for anyone with autoimmune disease, PANS/PANDAS, ADHD, or mast cell activation who hasn't found answers despite trying everything.Key TakeawaysChronic stress = sympathetic dominance — your nervous system gets physically stuckReal or imagined stress triggers the same cortisol response — your body can't tell the difference4-7-8 breathing (inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8) is the fastest reset to parasympathetic stateUse phone timers — minimum 3x daily breathwork to rewire nervous systemPick ONE strategy and do it consistently for 30 days before adding more90% of brain detoxification happens during sleep — prioritize before midnightRemove 1-2 inflammatory foods first — overwhelm stops progressNeurofeedback over 40 sessions/6 months reveals underlying root causes100% of complex chronic illness patients have unresolved traumaSmall deposits daily beat weekend wellness — integrate, don't isolateChapters & Timestamps01:00 Chronic Stress = Sympathetic Dominance & Stuck Nervous System02:00 "Shopping Cart Diagnoses" & Why Kids Are More Dysregulated04:00 4-7-8 Breathwork: Fastest Way to Parasympathetic State05:00 PMFT, Neurofeedback & Brain Tools for Nervous System Reset06:00 Stress Hijacks Immunity: Rise of Autoimmune & Mast Cell Activation07:00 Nervous System Dysregulation Affects Sleep, Gut & Hormones09:00 Neurofeedback Success: From Impulsive to Regulated11:00 Top 3 Strategies: Regulate, Diet & Sleep12:00 90% of Brain Detox Happens During Sleep15:00 Downtime, Workaholic Culture & Stress Deposits18:00 100% of Complex Cases Have Trauma in Their Background19:00 Programs, Podcast & Where to Find Dr. RoseannGuest DetailsDr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, PhD Integrative Mental Health Expert, Author & FounderCredentials: Pioneered Brain Behavior Reset™ program. Founder of the Global Institute of Children's Mental Health. Author of It's Gonna Be OK and multiple books on integrative mental health. Top podcaster and one-to-one program ending 2026.Specializations: Nervous system dysregulation, ADHD, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, neurofeedback, autoimmune-mental health connection, trauma, neurodivergence, children & adult complex cases.Connect:Website: drroseann.comPodcast: Available on all platformsAbout Your HostDr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMPFunctional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune AlchemyDr. Micah Yu is a doctor of chiropractic and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in autoimmune conditions and chronic illness. He recognizes mold exposure as a common root cause of autoimmune disease, particularly in patients with long-haul COVID who suddenly develop mold sensitivities. Dr. Yu is passionate about educating his community on environmental toxins and bringing expert voices like John Banta to help patients understand the hidden triggers affecting their health. He practices integrative medicine with his wife, creating a dynamic team dedicated to uncovering root causes and supporting patients on their healing journey.Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLMDr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.About AutoImmune Alchemy PodcastMission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemyAutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex chronic conditions.Hosted by Dr. Micah Yu, the show explores root causes like mold exposure, infections, and environmental toxins that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode features expert interviews and cutting-edge treatments to help listeners understand the "why" behind their illness and find pathways to healing.Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – NewInstagram: @myautoimmunemdFacebook: @MYAutoimmuneMDYouTube: @myautoimmunemdEmail: [email protected] & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand mold's role in chronic illness, please leave a 5-star review!This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or remediation. Individual results may vary.