Browned Off? Tanning Addiction Could Be Linked To Psychological Conditions

How far would you go for a golden glow?  A recent study has found that frequent tanning could be the result of two psychological conditions: Obsessive-Compulsive and Body-Dysmorphic disorders. The tanning test the researchers developed is a modified version of substance abuse criteria provided by the 4th Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Those who answered yes to two of the four questions on the tanning-specific version of the CAGE alcohol screener were considered to have problematic tanning. "While more research is needed regarding to idea of tanning as an addiction, this study suggests that some people who tan also experience mental health symptoms that warrant further assessment," said Erin Bonar, assistant professor of psychiatry at University of Michigan's addiction research centre. Out of 533 tanning students who took the questionnaire, 31 percent met the criteria for tanning dependence and 12 percent for problematic tanning. Being female and screening positive for body dysmorphic disorder and OCD were significantly associated with tanning dependence. Sun kissed skin is beautiful, but stay safe ladies.