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 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.