Mobile App Successfully Collects Real-Time PTSD and Cannabis Data From Veterans Over Three Months
A feasibility study using the MAVERICK mobile app collected passive sensor data (heart rate, sleep, activity) from 91.9% of veteran participants and daily self-reports from 68% over three months, demonstrating the viability of real-time monitoring for PTSD-cannabis interactions.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Phase 1: 20 veterans beta-tested app feasibility. Phase 2: 75 veterans used the app for 3 months. 91.9% provided passive data (heart rate, sleep, activity). 68% response rate for daily self-report measures. Data availability varied across measures but was sufficient for analysis.
Key Numbers
95 total veterans; 91.9% passive data provision; 68% daily survey response rate; 3-month monitoring period.
How They Did This
Two-phase longitudinal study. MAVERICK mobile app integrating passive (wearable sensor) and active (self-report survey) data. Phase 1: beta testing with 20 veterans. Phase 2: 3-month data collection with 75 veterans with PTSD and cannabis use.
Why This Research Matters
Predicting PTSD-cannabis symptom escalation could enable timely intervention. This study proves that veterans will engage with a monitoring app long enough to generate useful data, clearing the feasibility hurdle for future prediction studies.
The Bigger Picture
Digital phenotyping (using phones and wearables to track mental health) could transform how we understand and intervene in substance use-PTSD interactions. This study establishes that the approach is feasible with a veteran population.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Feasibility study, not an effectiveness trial. Data completeness varied across measures. Wearable device compliance may decline over longer periods. Veterans who agreed to participate may not represent all veterans with PTSD and CUD.
Questions This Raises
- ?Can the app data actually predict PTSD symptom escalation?
- ?Would longer monitoring periods maintain these engagement rates?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 91.9% of veterans provided passive sensor data over 3 months
- Evidence Grade:
- Demonstrates feasibility with good engagement rates, but does not test predictive utility or clinical outcomes.
- Study Age:
- 2025 feasibility study establishing a platform for future PTSD-cannabis prediction research.
- Original Title:
- A remote measurement study of PTSD and cannabis use among veterans: Recruitment, retention, and data availability.
- Published In:
- PloS one, 20(9), e0332239 (2025)
- Authors:
- Leightley, Daniel(4), Dilkina, Bistra(4), Pedersen, Eric R(18), Dworkin, Emily, Saba, Shaddy, Howe, Esther, Thota, Praneeth, Nuthi, Sriram, Sedano, Angeles, Davis, Jordan P
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06916
Evidence Hierarchy
A small preliminary study to test whether a larger study is feasible.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can apps help track PTSD and cannabis use?
This study showed veterans with PTSD and cannabis use were willing to use a monitoring app for 3 months, with over 90% providing wearable data and 68% completing daily surveys.
Why monitor PTSD and cannabis together?
Veterans often use cannabis to manage PTSD symptoms, but research suggests it may maintain or worsen them. Real-time monitoring could identify when symptoms escalate and enable timely intervention.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06916APA
Leightley, Daniel; Dilkina, Bistra; Pedersen, Eric R; Dworkin, Emily; Saba, Shaddy; Howe, Esther; Thota, Praneeth; Nuthi, Sriram; Sedano, Angeles; Davis, Jordan P. (2025). A remote measurement study of PTSD and cannabis use among veterans: Recruitment, retention, and data availability.. PloS one, 20(9), e0332239. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332239
MLA
Leightley, Daniel, et al. "A remote measurement study of PTSD and cannabis use among veterans: Recruitment, retention, and data availability.." PloS one, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332239
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "A remote measurement study of PTSD and cannabis use among ve..." RTHC-06916. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/leightley-2025-a-remote-measurement-study
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.