Tanning dependence
Tanning dependence
Tanning dependence (pronounced: tan-ing de-pen-dence), also known as tanorexia, is a psychological disorder characterized by an excessive desire to have a suntanned skin, despite the known health risks associated with excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.
Etymology
The term "tanning dependence" is derived from the words "tanning", which refers to the process of darkening the skin by exposure to UV radiation, and "dependence", which in this context, refers to the compulsive need to engage in a behavior despite its negative consequences. The term "tanorexia" is a portmanteau of "tan" and "anorexia", drawing a parallel between the compulsive nature of both conditions.
Definition
Tanning dependence is defined as a behavioral addiction where an individual has a compulsive need to tan their skin, either through natural sunlight or artificial means such as tanning beds or sunlamps. This condition is often associated with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and other mental health issues.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tanning dependence may include:
- Frequent visits to tanning salons or excessive sunbathing
- Anxiety or distress when unable to tan
- Continued tanning despite awareness of the health risks
- Denial of the tanning problem or downplaying the amount of time spent tanning
Related Terms
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: A type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and can cause skin damage and cancer.
- Behavioral addiction: A form of addiction not related to substance use, characterized by a compulsion to engage in a specific behavior.
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): A mental disorder characterized by the obsessive idea that some aspect of one's own body part or appearance is severely flawed and warrants exceptional measures to hide or fix it.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tanning dependence
- Wikipedia's article - Tanning dependence
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