Tanning in body dysmorphic disorder.

Full Abstract

Tanning in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) has not previously been studied. In this study, 200 subjects with BDD were evaluated with measures to examine the prevalence of BDD-related tanning--i.e., darkening one's skin color by direct exposure to sunlight or artificial light which is motivated by a desire to improve a perceived appearance defect (i.e., a BDD concern). We also examined clinical characteristics of individuals who engaged in BDD-related tanning. 25% (95% CI, 19.0%-31.0%) of subjects reported BDD-related tanning. Among tanners, the skin was the most common body area of concern (84.0%). All tanners experienced functional impairment due to BDD, 26% had attempted suicide, and quality of life was markedly poor. 52% of tanners had received dermatologic treatment, which was usually ineffective for BDD symptoms. Tanners were more likely than non-tanners to compulsively pick their skin. In conclusion, tanning--a behavior with well-known health risks--is a relatively frequent BDD-related behavior.

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Author information

Author/s: Phillips, Katharine A (KA); Conroy, Michelle (M); Dufresne, Raymond G (RG); Menard, William (W); Didie, Elizabeth R (ER); Hunter-Yates, Jennifer (J); Fay, Christina (C); Pagano, Maria (M);

Affiliation: Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA. Katharine_Phillips(-atsign-)brown.edu

Grants: R01 MH60241 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: The Psychiatric quarterly (Psychiatr Q), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-; vol 77 (issue 2) : pp 129-38

Dates: Created 2006/07/20; Completed 2007/01/04; Revised 2008/11/20;

PMID: 16779685, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adult
Body Image
Child
Emotions
Humans
Light
Mental Health

Mental Health
Personality Inventory
Questionnaires
Self Concept
Social Behavior
Somatoform Disorders - physiopathology; psychology
Sunburn - psychology
Sunlight

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