Some individuals who excessively tan their skin might be suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), according to research done at Bowling Green State University.
Excessive tanners are individuals who continue tanning after their skin has already turned deep brown. They persist even if experiencing negative consequences to their skin.
Currently, excessive tanning is not considered an addiction, but the BGSU researchers believe the medical community should keep an open mind about listing it as one.
The Tanning, OCD, BDD Link
The research involved 533 college students who regularly tan. They were given a questionnaire that used substance abuse screening criteria, modified for tanning:
- Of the 533 participants, 31 percent fit the criteria for tanning dependence, and 12 percent matched the criteria for problematic tanning.
- There was a significant association between having symptoms of BDD, OCD, being female, and meeting the criteria for tanning dependence.
- There was a significant association between having symptoms of OCD and meeting the criteria for problematic tanning.
- The likelihood of meeting the criteria for both tanning dependence and problematic tanning was highest for participants who, during the previous month, tanned at least nine times.
These results do not prove that tanning is an addiction, but indicate that an addiction classification for tanning should not be ruled out.
Compulsion or Coping Strategy?
“It may be that some individuals in our sample engage in excessive tanning because of obsessive thoughts about, or the compulsion to tan, or because tanning is a strategy for for relaxation to decrease OCD symptoms,” said researcher Lisham Ashrafioun. “If problem tanning is conceptualized as an addictive disorder, obsessions and compulsions about tanning may instead represent a craving to tan.”
Increasing Awareness To Save Lives
While one research study is never conclusive, this one suggests that people who frequently tan may be experiencing mental health symptoms that require assessment and treatment. The possibility exists that symptoms of BDD or OCD are contributing to their tanning behavior.
The danger for these individuals is that preventive warnings about the risks of too much tanning will likely not deter them from over exposure to UV rays. The BGSU researchers hope their work convinces some dermatologists and primary care doctors to screen frequent tanners for mental health issues.
Photo by Evil Erin on flickr
Source: medicalxpress
