UV light tanning as a type of substance-related disorder

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 subs tat ice-related disorders, were modified to evaluate subjects for a substance-related disorder involving UVL tanning. Setting: Galveston island beach. Subjects: A total of 145 beachgoers. 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.