Tracking the longitudinal course of physiologic and mental health functioning among individuals in substance use disorder treatment
By
Wendy Insalaco
Charlotte Clapham
Brett Gelino
Jami Mayo Barney
Brianna Billings
Jennifer D. Ellis
J. Gregory Hobelmann
Andrew S. Huhn
Vadim Zipunnikov
Jill A. Rabinowitz
June 10, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Longitudinal Analysis of Physiological and Mental Health Changes in Individuals Undergoing Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Key Mechanisms Resting heart rate (RHR) and heart rate variability (HRV) as physiological indicators of mental health. Target Population Individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorders. Care Setting Residential treatment facilities.
Key Highlights
39% of participants with decreased RHR reported reduced stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. 39% of participants with increased HRV reported decreased stress and improved anxiety. Physiological and mental health changes varied significantly among participants during the first month of treatment. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Monitor mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression in individuals with SUD. Management
Integrate physiological measures (RHR, HRV) with mental health assessments for tailored interventions. Monitoring & Follow-up
Utilize wearable devices to track RHR and HRV as indicators of mental health changes. Risks
Be aware of the high comorbidity of anxiety and depression in SUD patients, which can affect treatment outcomes. Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults with substance use disorders experiencing anxiety and depression.
Physiological measures may provide insights into individual-specific mental health trajectories.
Clinical Best Practices
Regularly assess both physiological and psychological indicators during SUD treatment. Use wearable technology to facilitate continuous monitoring of RHR and HRV. Related Resources & Content
