Help for Emotional Dysregulation in Kids | Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

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78: Do Natural Therapies for ADHD, Anxiety and Mood Work?

If your child struggles with focus, anxiety, or mood swings, this episode reveals which natural therapies for ADHD actually work—backed by science most doctors won’t tell you about.

Estimated reading time: 6 min

Natural therapies can feel confusing when you’re worn down by meltdowns, impulsivity, anxiety, or sleepless nights—and you just want something that actually helps your child. 

In this episode, I break down why natural therapy for ADHD is real, evidence-based, and central to my 30 years of clinical work. These approaches calm the root issue—nervous system dysregulation—so kids can focus, feel balanced, and connect. You’re not failing; your child’s brain simply needs the right support.

How do I know if natural therapies will help my child’s ADHD symptoms?

Any child who’s chronically stressed, anxious, distracted, or emotionally up and down is showing signs of nervous system dysregulation. Natural therapies work because they help the brain come out of “fight or flight” and into calm, connected functioning.

Signs your child may benefit:

  • Sensory sensitivities or overwhelm
  • Impulsivity and distractibility
  • Big emotions and meltdowns
  • Sleep issues
  • Mood swings or irritability

A mom recently told me she walked in to find her daughter doing homework on her own after neurofeedback helped her focus. That’s what regulation does—it changes what felt impossible.

Which natural therapies actually have research behind them?

Not everything out there is evidence-based, but several therapies are backed by strong science and clinical experience.

The most researched include:

  • Neurofeedback: Trains brainwave patterns linked to ADHD, anxiety, and mood.
  • PEMF: Improves cellular communication and shifts the body into a calm, parasympathetic state.
  • Diet changes: Reducing inflammatory foods (like gluten, dairy, dyes) can dramatically improve attention and behavior.
  • Magnesium: Supports more than 300 biochemical processes and is essential for calm and focus.

These aren’t fringe approaches—they’re foundational tools in my BrainBehaviorReset® program because they work consistently when used with fidelity.

How long do natural ADHD therapies take to work?

Every parent wants quick results, and some interventions deliver them. But true neurological change requires consistency. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about repetition and the right order.

What to expect:

  • PEMF: Calmer mood and better sleep within days
  • Magnesium: Noticeable improvements in 5–7 days
  • Diet changes: Shifts in 1–3 weeks
  • Neurofeedback: Gradual but significant changes over weeks

The biggest mistake? Trying something for three days and quitting. The brain thrives on rhythm and predictability.

When your child is dysregulated, it’s easy to feel helpless. The Regulation Rescue Kit gives you the scripts and strategies you need to stay grounded and in control. Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and get your free kit today.

Can natural therapies replace ADHD medication?

Natural therapies can absolutely be used instead of or alongside medication. Many families come to me because their child had side effects or the meds weren’t addressing the root cause. When the nervous system is dysregulated, medication may mask symptoms temporarily—but it won’t create regulation.

Behavior is communication. When we calm the brain, kids can access focus, emotional balance, and self-control in a sustainable way.

🗣️ “When you regulate the brain, your child finally has access to focus, calm, and connection—and that’s when everything starts to change.” — Dr. Roseann

Takeaway & What’s Next

Natural therapy for ADHD works because it supports the brain where it needs it most—regulation. If you want a deeper breakdown of where to start, listen next to the episode on Natural ADHD Treatment. You’re not alone. Let’s calm the brain first—it’s gonna be OK.

FAQs

What is the most effective natural therapy for ADHD?

Neurofeedback has the strongest research base and helps regulate brainwave patterns tied to inattention and impulsivity.

Can diet really help ADHD?

Yes—reducing inflammatory foods can significantly improve mood, behavior, and focus.

Is magnesium safe for kids?

Generally yes, but always check with your provider. It’s essential for calming the nervous system.

Not sure where to start?
Take the guesswork out of helping your child. Use my free Solution Matcher to get a personalized plan for your child’s needs. Start here:
www.drroseann.com/help

 

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Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge: Helping Families of Dysregulated Kids Thrive Through Regulation First Parenting™

 
Dr. Roseann believes every family deserves to move from chaos to connection—and that transformation begins with addressing emotional dysregulation in children at its true source: the nervous system.

As the creator of Regulation First Parenting™, she’s helping families of dysregulated kids discover a compassionate, brain-based path forward. Through The Dysregulated Kids™ Podcast (top 2% globally), she offers practical strategies that help parents understand their child’s brain and support lasting change.

Through The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann, LLC, she’s created resources like the BrainBehaviorReset® program, Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas, and the Regulation First Parenting™ framework—meeting families where they are and supporting them through challenges like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, and behavioral struggles.

Recognized by Forbes as “a thought leader in children’s mental health,” Dr. Roseann is changing how we understand emotional dysregulation in children—one family at a time.

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