Addictive-like behaviours to ultraviolet light among frequent indoor tanners.
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.
Harrington
C R
CR
Department of Dermatology, University of Texas South-western Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Beswick
T C
TC
Leitenberger
J
J
Minhajuddin
A
A
Jacobe
H T
HT
Adinoff
B
B
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