Preliminary Validation of Cosmetic Addiction Scale (CAS)

Background: /Objectives: Similarities have been identified between the dependence on psychoactive substances and the patterns of use of cosmetic products. However, there is no specific scale for identifying a substance-related disorders in cosmetic addiction. In this way, the aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary validation of Cosmetic Addiction Scale (CAS) in order to identify signs of addiction to cosmetic products, describing its prevalence and analysing their concordance with a modified version Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener test (mCAGE). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with sample of 224 university students (80 % women, age range 19-68 years). The mCAGE and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria were modified to evaluate participants for a substance-related disorder in cosmetic addiction. Sociodemographic characteristics and cosmetics use were evaluated. Results: Results showed a 16.1 % met modified CAGE criteria, 38 % met modified DSM-V criteria, 7% of serious nature and with differences related by gender, being more prevalent in women. No differences by age were found. A 12.1 % of the subjects were detected as putative addicts in both scales. Results from both instruments were significantly associated (rho = 0.51, p < 0.001). Modified DSM-V criteria obtained a robust validity and intern coherence of 0.77 for the detection of cosmetic addiction. Conclusions: A type of symptomatology involving cosmetic addiction is pointed out. CAS showed as an useful and adequate psychometric tool for detecting cosmetic usage as a type of substance-related disorder.