NCJ Number
203319
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 43 Issue: 4 Dated: Autumn 2003 Pages: 797-807
Date Published
2003
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article explores some of the common misperceptions in the literature regarding "pyromania" and considers the magnitude of pyromania in Australia's arsonist population.
Abstract
Under the definition for "pyromania" in the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), in order for a diagnosis of pyromania to be made, there must be a clear pattern of impulsive firesetting behavior that is preceded by a feeling of tension and followed by a sense of relief or pleasure once the act has been completed. This definition differs substantially from the perception of pyromania commonly held by many nonclinicians. This includes the belief that most serial arsonists are pyromaniacs; however, in the clinical context, pyromaniacs are now clearly distinguished from arsonists for whom the act of deliberate fire lighting forms part of other mental disorders such as conduct disorder, mania, or antisocial personality disorder, or is committed in response to hallucinations or delusions. The extent to which pyromania characterizes the population of arsonists in Australia cannot be determined, due largely to incomplete and inaccurate data. There are difficulties in identifying a true reason for firesetting, and firesetting is often undertaken with more than one motive. Moreover, self-reported information is compromised by sample bias, in that self-report samples have volunteered to participate in the research. 1 figure and 55 references