Show Notes
Brain inflammation may influence behavior, sensory processing, sleep, mood, and cognition in ways many families never realize. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten and Dr. Pejman Katiraei explore the connections between the immune system, gut health, environmental exposures, ADHD, autism, PANS/PANDAS, and neuroinflammation; view the complete show notes at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/brain-inflammation-and-behavior/
Neurodivergence Is Not the Problem
This episode does not suggest that autism or ADHD should be erased, “fixed,” or reduced to inflammation.
Instead, the conversation explores an important distinction:
A person’s neurodivergent wiring may be an intrinsic part of who they are.
Pain, severe anxiety, sleep disruption, gut dysfunction, overwhelming sensory sensitivity, aggression, or sudden regression may represent additional challenges affecting that person’s quality of life.
Understanding that distinction can help families support the whole person without treating their identity as a disease.
Signs That May Deserve a Closer Look
These symptoms do not confirm a diagnosis, but clusters of symptoms may warrant a more comprehensive conversation with a qualified healthcare professional:
Sudden or dramatic changes in behavior
New fears, phobias, compulsions, or repetitive thoughts
Severe sensory sensitivity to sound, touch, clothing, food, or water
Chronic constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, reflux, or bloating
Eczema or recurring skin symptoms alongside digestive concerns
Restrictive eating that appears driven by texture, smell, or sensory distress
Significant sleep disruption or waking consistently during the night
Repeated ear infections, respiratory infections, or unexplained inflammatory symptoms
Symptoms that worsen after illness, certain foods, antibiotics, or environmental exposures
A child expressing beliefs such as “I’m bad,” “I’m mean,” or “I’m stupid” after struggling to control their behavior
Always work with an appropriately licensed healthcare professional before beginning medications, antifungals, restrictive diets, parasite protocols, or treatment for suspected mold-related illness.
👨⚕️ About Dr. Pejman Katiraei
Dr. Pejman Katiraei works with children and families experiencing complex combinations of behavioral, neurological, immune, gastrointestinal, and environmental health concerns. In this episode, he shares clinical observations from his work with children experiencing neuroinflammation, sensory challenges, PANS/PANDAS, gut dysfunction, and significant behavioral changes.
Dr. Pejman Katiraei’s Website: https://drkatiraei.com/
Dr. Pejman Katiraei’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholistickids/?hl=en
Dr. Pejman Katiraei’s Substack: https://pkatiraei.substack.com/
👩⚕️ About Dr. Jolene Brighten
Dr. Jolene Brighten is a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, Certified Menopause Practitioner, nutrition scientist, certified sex counselor, bestselling author, and host of The Dr. Brighten Show. Her work focuses on women’s hormones, reproductive health, ADHD, neurodivergence, perimenopause, menopause, and the complex ways the brain, immune system, gut, and endocrine system interact.
🌐 Dr. Brighten’s Website: https://drbrighten.com
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⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It does not replace individualized medical advice. Always consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional regarding symptoms, testing, medications, supplements, environmental concerns, or treatment decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis
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