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Comment
. 2005 Aug;141(8):963-6.
doi: 10.1001/archderm.141.8.963.

UV light tanning as a type of substance-related disorder

Molly M Warthan  1 , Tatsuo Uchida, Richard F Wagner Jr
Affiliations
Comment

UV light tanning as a type of substance-related disorder

Molly M Warthan et al. Arch Dermatol. 2005 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: To better understand the complex motivations involved with UV light (UVL) tanning behavior.

Design: Two written instruments, the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) Questionnaire, used to screen for alcohol abuse or dependence, and the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for substance-related disorders, were modified to evaluate subjects for a substance-related disorder involving UVL tanning.

Setting: Galveston Island beach. Subjects A total of 145 beach-goers.

Main outcome measures: Positive findings from the 2 evaluation instruments.

Results: Of the 145 subjects, 38 (26%) met the modified CAGE criteria, and 77 (53%) met the modified DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for a substance-related disorder with regard to UVL and related sun tanning. The results from both instruments were significantly associated (P = .03).

Conclusions: Individuals who chronically and repetitively expose themselves to UVL to tan may have a novel type of UVL substance-related disorder.

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