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 Takeaways

1. Chronic stress = sympathetic dominance — your nervous system gets physically stuck
2. Real or imagined stress triggers the same cortisol response — your body can't tell the difference
3. 4-7-8 breathing (inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8) is the fastest reset to parasympathetic state
4. Use phone timers — minimum 3x daily breathwork to rewire nervous system
5. Pick ONE strategy and do it consistently for 30 days before adding more
6. 90% of brain detoxification happens during sleep — prioritize before midnight
7. Remove 1-2 inflammatory foods first — overwhelm stops progress
8. Neurofeedback over 40 sessions/6 months reveals underlying root causes
9. 100% of complex chronic illness patients have unresolved trauma
10. Small deposits daily beat weekend wellness — integrate, don't isolate

Chapters & Timestamps

01:00 Chronic Stress = Sympathetic Dominance & Stuck Nervous System

02:00 "Shopping Cart Diagnoses" & Why Kids Are More Dysregulated

04:00 4-7-8 Breathwork: Fastest Way to Parasympathetic State

05:00 PMFT, Neurofeedback & Brain Tools for Nervous System Reset

06:00 Stress Hijacks Immunity: Rise of Autoimmune & Mast Cell Activation

07:00 Nervous System Dysregulation Affects Sleep, Gut & Hormones

09:00 Neurofeedback Success: From Impulsive to Regulated

11:00 Top 3 Strategies: Regulate, Diet & Sleep

12:00 90% of Brain Detox Happens During Sleep

15:00 Downtime, Workaholic Culture & Stress Deposits

18:00 100% of Complex Cases Have Trauma in Their Background

19:00 Programs, Podcast & Where to Find Dr. Roseann

Guest Details

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, PhD Integrative Mental Health Expert, Author & Founder

Credentials: 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.com
• Podcast: Available on all platforms

About Your Host

Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

Dr. 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, DipABLM

Dr. 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 Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune 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 – New
• Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
• Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
• YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
• Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & 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.