What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Pathological Fire-Setting
• PD (Pyromania Disorder)
• Pyromania Disorder

What is Pyromania? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pyromania is a mental disorder characterized by an obsessive impulse to set fires, often repeatedly. By doing so, such individuals relieve tension and feel instant gratification
• Pyromania falls into the category of disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders, all of which are disorders characterized by an inability to control one’s behavior and emotions
• Pyromania, similar to other types of impulse control disorders, begins with an increasing level of arousal and anticipation before committing the act of setting a fire, a feeling of pleasure and gratification during the act, and a feeling of guilt and regret afterwards
• This disorder is often observed in individuals with poor social skills and learning difficulties. The individuals may develop Pyromania as a result of biological and environmental factors. However, the exact cause of this disorder is unknown
• Pyromania can be treated using a combination of psychotherapy and medication. It is essential that the affected individuals seek treatment for this disorder, as it generally does not improve on its own
• The prognosis of Pyromania is dependent on the severity of the condition. It is usually assessed on a case-by-case basis, with adults having a generally poorer prognosis than juveniles (children and adolescents)

Who gets Pyromania? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pyromania is observed in much less than 1% of the general population
• The symptoms of Pyromania usually manifest in adolescence or late childhood
• Although both genders may develop Pyromania, males are more prone than females
• All racial and ethnic groups may be affected by this disorder

What are the Risk Factors for Pyromania? (Predisposing Factors)

The following risk factors may be observed for Pyromania:

• Personal and family history of mood disorders
• Personal and family history of substance abuse
• Unstable childhood (that may be due to violence, abuse, trauma, neglect)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Pyromania? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Pyromania has not been determined; however, certain biological and environmental factors may influence the development of this disorder. These may include:

• Biological factors:
  • Abnormalities in parts of the brain responsible for memory, functions, emotions, willpower, and decision-making
  • Medical disorders, such as seizures, which may cause an imbalance in brain chemistry
  • Elevated levels of hormones related to aggression, such as testosterone
  • Family history of mental illness
• Environmental factors;
  • Chronic stress
  • Unstable childhood (violence and abuse)
  • History of substance abuse

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pyromania?

The signs and symptoms of Pyromania may vary based on the severity of the disorder among affected individuals, and may include the following:

• Interest and fascination with fire
• Watching fires
• Setting-off false alarms 
• Spending time at fire departments
• Choosing a career in firefighting
• Experiencing pleasure and relief watching or participating in the setting of fires

How is Pyromania Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Pyromania may include the following physical and psychiatric methods:

• Complete physical evaluation
• Comprehensive analysis of personal and family medical history, with emphasis on medication and substance use that may be causing the pyromaniac behavior
• Assessment of exhibited behaviors using the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
  • Deliberately setting a fire more than once
  • A feeling of tension or emotional arousal prior to setting the fire
  • A feeling of fascination and curiosity about fire
  • A feeling of pleasure, relief, or gratification during and after setting the fire
  • Setting the fire is not for monetary gain, to cover up criminal activity, to express anger, to improve living circumstances, in response to a hallucination, or a result of impaired judgment
  • The fire setting is not explained by a conduct disorder, a manic episode, or antisocial personality disorder

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Pyromania?

The following complications for Pyromania may be observed:

• Low self-esteem
• Inability to cope with stress
• Conflicts in interpersonal relationships, social issues
• Criminal activity: Individuals with Pyromania may have law enforcement issues
• Mental health problems, such as depression
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

How is Pyromania Treated?

Pyromania can be treated using a combination of the following techniques:

• Psychotherapy - cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to change dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• Medication - anti-depressants may aid in improving aggressive tendencies and prevent pyromaniac behaviors
• Family intervention: The support and understanding of family and friends may aid individuals while their symptoms are being treated

How can Pyromania be Prevented?

There are currently no methods or guidelines available to prevent the onset of Pyromania, since the exact cause for this disorder are not known. The following factors may mitigate its severity or slow progression of this disorder:

• Early diagnosis of signs and symptoms
• Avoiding substance use
• Seeking professional help following an unstable childhood or trauma

What is the Prognosis of Pyromania? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Pyromania is dependent on the severity of the condition, and may need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis
• Individuals, who are in a consistent, long-term treatment plan have a better prognosis, and can learn to control their impulse of setting fires over time
• Individuals, who do not seek treatment, have a poorer prognosis. In such cases, the symptoms may worsen over time, eventually affecting their quality of life
• Younger individuals (children and adolescents) have generally better prognosis than older individuals (such as adults)

Additions and Relevant Useful Information for Pyromania:

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is a handbook of mental disorders, prepared and published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that serves as a diagnostic guide for physicians around the world.