BACKGROUND: Recent studies have identified reinforcing properties associated with tanning and suggest a possible physiologic mechanism and addiction driving tanning behavior. OBJECTIVE: This article attempts to synthesize the existing literature on tanning and addiction to investigate possible associations. METHODS: We investigated a variety of substance dependence models to define what constitutes dependence/addiction and to determine how current studies on tanning meet these criteria. RESULTS: In some individuals, tanning has met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria for a substance-related disorder or tanning-modified Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye-opener criteria. Trial studies have demonstrated the induction of withdrawal symptoms in frequent tanners. LIMITATIONS: Additional studies are needed to investigate the associated dependency and addiction more fully and to elucidate its similarities to other better-known addictive syndromes. DISCUSSION: Tanning is a problem behavior, both as a health risk and as a possible dependency. Future studies, especially in the area of cognitive mapping and cue-related stimuli are needed. Imaging studies may be important in elucidating whether the same areas of the brain are involved in tanning addiction as in other addictive syndromes.
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have identified reinforcing properties associated with tanning and suggest a possible physiologic mechanism and addiction driving tanning behavior. OBJECTIVE: This article attempts to synthesize the existing literature on tanning and addiction to investigate possible associations. METHODS: We investigated a variety of substance dependence models to define what constitutes dependence/addiction and to determine how current studies on tanning meet these criteria. RESULTS: In some individuals, tanning has met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria for a substance-related disorder or tanning-modified Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye-opener criteria. Trial studies have demonstrated the induction of withdrawal symptoms in frequent tanners. LIMITATIONS: Additional studies are needed to investigate the associated dependency and addiction more fully and to elucidate its similarities to other better-known addictive syndromes. DISCUSSION: Tanning is a problem behavior, both as a health risk and as a possible dependency. Future studies, especially in the area of cognitive mapping and cue-related stimuli are needed. Imaging studies may be important in elucidating whether the same areas of the brain are involved in tanning addiction as in other addictive syndromes.
Authors: Andrzej T Slominski; Michal A Zmijewski; Przemyslaw M Plonka; Jerzy P Szaflarski; Ralf Paus Journal: Endocrinology Date: 2018-05-01 Impact factor: 4.736
Authors: Carolyn J Heckman; Fang Zhu; Sharon L Manne; Jacqueline D Kloss; Bradley N Collins; Sarah Bauerle Bass; Stuart R Lessin Journal: J Health Psychol Date: 2012-07-27
Authors: Sherry Pagoto; Joel Hillhouse; Carolyn J Heckman; Elliot J Coups; Jerod Stapleton; David Buller; Rob Turrisi; June Robinson; Alan C Geller Journal: Transl Behav Med Date: 2014-03 Impact factor: 3.046