[Can we talk about addiction for excessive indoor tanning?]

Tanning is socially highly valued and, like other forms of behaviour, can take on an addictive aspect. This finding is based on the observations of many dermatologists who report an addictive relationship with tanning cabins in their patients, despite the announcement of the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. This article attempts to synthesize the existing literature on excessive indoor tanning and addiction to investigate possible associations. A literature review was conducted from 1974 to 2012, using PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and the following keywords alone or combined : Tanning, Addiction, Dependence, and Sunbeds, to explore the possible relevance of the addictive model. Excessive tanning is not present in the international classifications of Psychiatry, but may be related to addiction. There is so far no consensus on the definition of the concept, or recommendations on the management of this disorder. No study on psychopathology was found in the literature, although some hypotheses can be advanced. Further studies must be performed, especially on clinical psychopathology, neurobiology and management to improve our understanding of excessive indoor tanning.