Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge Unveils Biological Roots of Sudden Child Behavioral Changes

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a leading children's mental health expert with over 30 years of experience, is challenging clinicians to look beyond traditional psychiatric diagnoses when children experience sudden behavioral changes. At the upcoming NeuroImmune Day conference, she will present her Regulation First® framework, which posits that sudden behavioral shifts—such as intense anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, motor tics, or emotional dysregulation—may have underlying biological drivers like PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), Lyme disease, or autoimmune encephalitis. Drawing from analysis of more than 10,000 quantitative EEG brain maps and her own family's experience with PANS and Lyme disease, Dr. Roseann emphasizes that what appears as a psychiatric disorder may actually stem from neuroinflammation or nervous system dysregulation. She argues that the nervous system acts as the body's master regulator, and when it remains locked in chronic survival mode, healing becomes difficult. Her presentation at NeuroImmune Day, titled "PANS/PANDAS and the Whole-Body Matrix: Why Dysregulation Isn't Just a Brain Issue," will explore how chronic nervous system activation impacts immune function, sleep, gut health, and emotional regulation.

To help families navigate these challenges, Dr. Roseann has authored The Dysregulated Kid: The Parenting Playbook for Helping Your Child Find Calm in a Chaotic World, set to be published by Page Two Books on September 22, 2026. The book introduces practical strategies like the Love Pause®, CALMS Protocol®, and RESET to Regulate®, all rooted in her Regulation First® framework. Pre-orders and exclusive bonuses are available at www.dysregulatedkid.com. Dr. Roseann is available for media interviews on topics such as why children become dysregulated, the impact of screen time on stress response, and the importance of nervous system regulation. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, NBC, CBS, and The Mel Robbins Show, and she hosts the top-ranked Dysregulated Kids podcast with over 2 million downloads.

The news release underscores a critical shift in understanding children's mental health: sudden behavioral changes may have medical roots that require a holistic approach. By integrating neuroscience, immunology, and nervous system regulation, Dr. Roseann aims to provide families and clinicians with a roadmap for healing that goes beyond symptom management. Her message is clear: when a child changes overnight, parents should trust their instincts and seek clinicians who understand the connection between the brain, immune system, and nervous system. For more information, contact Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge at inquiries@drroseann.com or visit www.drroseann.com.