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Addictive‐like behaviours to ultraviolet light among frequent indoor tanners
Author(s) -
Harrington C. R.,
Beswick T. C.,
Leitenberger J.,
Minhajuddin A.,
Jacobe H. T.,
Adinoff B.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2010.03882.x
Subject(s) - addiction , psychiatry , gambling disorder , psychology , medicine , clinical psychology
Summary 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. Aim. 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. Conclusion. A high percentage of subjects who tan frequently in indoor salons experience behaviours and consequences to their tanning consistent with other identified addictive disorders.