Pyromania: An Overview
Pyromania is a mental health disorder characterised by an uncontrollable and persistent urge to set fires. It is classified as an impulse control disorder and is considered to be a form of self-harm. Pyromania is a rare disorder, and there is a great deal of controversy surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. This article provides an overview of the disorder, discussing its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of pyromania is an intense and persistent urge to set fires (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Other associated symptoms include fascination with fire and fire-setting paraphernalia, pleasure or gratification when setting fires, a lack of remorse or guilt after setting fires, and relief or a feeling of gratification when watching fires (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals with pyromania may also display other types of impulsive behaviours such as substance use, gambling, or other forms of self-harm (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Causes
The exact cause of pyromania is unknown, however some researchers suggest that genetic, biological, and environmental factors may play a role in its development (Blum et al., 2013). Studies have found that individuals with pyromania have reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain involved in impulse control, suggesting that the disorder may be linked to an underlying neurological dysfunction (Blum et al., 2013). Other research suggests that certain environmental factors, such as witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event involving fire, may contribute to an individual’s risk of developing pyromania (Blum et al., 2013).
Diagnosis
Pyromania is diagnosed by mental health professionals using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). To be diagnosed with pyromania, an individual must display all of the above-mentioned symptoms for at least one month. Additionally, the individual must not have set fires for monetary gain, as a result of a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia, or as a result of substance use or abuse (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Treatment
The treatment of pyromania typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and medication (Blum et al., 2013). In psychotherapy, individuals are encouraged to explore underlying causes of the disorder and to develop healthier coping mechanisms (Blum et al., 2013). Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on helping individuals to recognize and replace destructive thought patterns and behaviour with more positive ones (Blum et al., 2013). Medication is used to help reduce impulsive behaviour and mood swings (Blum et al., 2013).
Conclusion
Pyromania is a rare mental health disorder characterised by an uncontrollable urge to set fires. It is associated with a number of other symptoms and is believed to be caused by genetic, biological, and environmental factors. The diagnosis of pyromania is made using the criteria outlined in the DSM-5, and treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and medication.
References
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.
Blum, N., St John, P. J., Pfohl, B., Stuart, S., McCormick, B., Allen, J., & Black, D. W. (2013). Pyromania: A review of the literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(5), 567–579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2013.03.007