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.
Digital health researchers, veteran healthcare providers, and PTSD-substance use researchers.
91.9% of veterans provided passive sensor data over 3 months
What the researchers 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.
Why it 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 numbers in context
95 total veterans; 91.9% passive data provision; 68% daily survey response rate; 3-month monitoring period.
How the study worked
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.
What this study cannot 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.
How to read the evidence
Demonstrates feasibility with good engagement rates, but does not test predictive utility or clinical outcomes.
When this study was published
2025 feasibility study establishing a platform for future PTSD-cannabis prediction research.
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.
Questions still open
- Can the app data actually predict PTSD symptom escalation?
- Would longer monitoring periods maintain these engagement rates?
Common questions
Can apps help track PTSD and cannabis use?
Why monitor PTSD and cannabis together?
Read the original research
A remote measurement study of PTSD and cannabis use among veterans: Recruitment, retention, and data availability.
PloS one, 20(9), e0332239
Citation
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
Explore the wider topic
- Weed Withdrawal Anxiety in Public: When Leaving the House Feels Impossible
- The DARE Response to Anxiety for Cannabis Withdrawal
- The Cannabis Withdrawal Anxiety Toolkit: Quick Techniques That Work
- Why Anxiety Gets Worse Before It Gets Better After Quitting Weed
- Breathing Exercises for Weed Withdrawal Anxiety
- Cannabis-Induced Anxiety: When Weed Stops Being Fun
- Does Weed Help or Hurt Anxiety? What Research Actually Shows
- Grounding Techniques for Cannabis Withdrawal: A Practical Toolkit
- Quitting Weed with Health Anxiety: Why Every Symptom Feels Like a Crisis
- How to Manage Anxiety Without Weed: 15 Evidence-Based Alternatives
- Quitting Weed with Anxiety Disorder: A Careful Approach
- Quitting Weed When You're on Anxiety Medication: What to Know
- Self-Medicating Anxiety with Weed: Why It Works Until It Doesn't
- Do I Need Therapy to Quit Weed? When Professional Help Makes Sense
- Weed and Anxiety: The Paradox That Traps People
- The Biphasic Effect: Low-Dose Calms, High-Dose Panics
- Weed and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Why It Backfires
- Weed and Panic Attacks: The Connection Nobody Talks About
- Weed and Paranoia: When Cannabis Turns Your Mind Against You
- Weed and Social Anxiety: Why It Feels Like the Only Thing That Helps
- Why Weed Stopped Working for Your Anxiety
- Weed Withdrawal Anxiety: Understanding the Panic and How to Cope
- Weed Withdrawal Panic Attacks at Night: Why They Happen and How to Get Through Them
- Going Back to Work During Weed Withdrawal: Managing Anxiety and Staying Functional
- Withdrawal Anxiety vs Pre-Existing Anxiety: How to Tell the Difference