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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

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Published on: April 14, 2016
UV light tanning as a type of substance-related disorder
Molly M Warthan1, Tatsuo Uchida, Richard F Wagner
1Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0783, USA.
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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