Pyromania moved from the DSM-4 chapter "Impulse-Control Disorders Not Otherwise Specified," to the chapter "Disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders" in DSM-5. Signs and symptoms
According to DSM-5, there are six signs of pyromania. Pyromania is mainly categorized by the purposeful setting of fire, tension or arousal before a fire is set, interest in or attraction to fire, and pleasure or relief after setting a fire. These fires not set for personal gain, are not meant to express anger or conceal illegal activity, are not in support of sociopolitical ideologies, are not in response to delusions, and are not signs of intellectual disability. For diagnosis, the setting of fire should not be better explained by a conduct disorder, manic episode, or a personality disorder (antisocial personality disorder). ICD-11 also adds substance abuse to this list. According to ICD-11, signs of fire setting may occur "in response to feelings of depressed mood, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, or other negative affective states." Those with pyromania exhibit problems in social environments and learning disabilities. Women pyromaniacs "often report histories of exposure to trauma, including sexual abuse, and self-harm." Episodic fire setting may become more intense and violent over time, becoming potentially chronic if untreated. Causes
Most studied cases of pyromania occur in children and teenagers. There is a range of causes, but an understanding of the different motives and actions of fire setters can provide a platform for prevention. Common causes of pyromania can be broken down into two main groups: individual and environmental.
A 1979 study by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration found that only 14% of fires were started by pyromaniacs and others with mental illness. A 1951 study by Lewis and Yarnell, one of the largest epidemiological studies conducted, found that 39% of those who had intentionally set fires had been diagnosed with pyromania. Popular culture
Beavis
Fire (The X-Files)
Firefly (DC Comics)
Mamimi Samejima
Trashcan Man
Deidara (Naruto)
The Pyro (Team Fortress 2)
In the videogame Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga jedi master Yoda mentions that Chewbacca is a pyromaniac

See also
Child pyromaniac
Macdonald triad
Pyrophobia – the hatred or fear of fire
Pyrophilia – arousal or sexual gratification involving fire
Penhallow Hotel fire – a suspected pyromaniac attack

References


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