title: Addictive-like behaviours to ultraviolet light among frequent indoor tanners.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Frequent, purposeful exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light may induce a compulsive desire to tan despite the negative consequences being known, suggesting a behavioural complex similar to addictive disorders.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the presence of addictive-like behaviours in subjects using indoor tanning salons.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects (n = 100) were surveyed by two questionnaires: a modified CAGE questionnaire to assess behaviours consistent with problem tanning and a modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) ('substance dependence' criteria) to assess behaviours consistent with a dependence-like disorder.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 41% of subjects met criteria consistent with a 'tanning addictive disorder', and an additional 33% met criteria for problematic tanning behaviour based on the modified CAGE criteria or subthreshold criteria on the modified DSM-IV criteria. Female gender and early age of onset were associated with meeting tanning addiction criteria.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A high percentage of subjects who tan frequently in indoor salons experience behaviours and consequences to their tanning consistent with other identified addictive disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Texas South-western Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Beswick
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leitenberger
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Minhajuddin
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Jacobe
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Adinoff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001505:Beauty Culture; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000523:psychology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects*; D055108:Sunbathing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult