Pyromania
Pyromania
Pyromania (/ˌpaɪroʊˈmeɪniə/; from Greek: πῦρ, pyr, "fire" + μανία, mania, "madness") is an impulse control disorder in which individuals repeatedly fail to resist impulses to deliberately start fires, in order to relieve tension or for instant gratification.
Etymology
The term "pyromania" comes from the Greek words pyr meaning "fire", and mania meaning "madness". It was first used in the medical literature by French psychiatrist Jean-Étienne Dominique Esquirol in 1833.
Definition
Pyromania is defined as a pattern of deliberate setting of fires for pleasure or satisfaction derived from the relief of tension experienced before the fire-setting. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), specifies that these behaviors must be not better explained by conduct disorder, a manic episode, or antisocial personality disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pyromania may include: a fascination with fire; persistent and unsuccessful attempts to control the impulse to set fires; pleasure, gratification, or relief when setting fires, or when witnessing or participating in their aftermath.
Related Terms
- Impulse Control Disorder: A class of psychiatric disorders characterized by impulsivity – failure to resist a temptation, urge, or impulse.
- Arson: The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.
- Kleptomania: The inability to refrain from the urge to steal items and is usually done for reasons other than personal use or financial gain.
Treatment
Treatment for pyromania typically involves behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medications may also be used, but there is not a specific drug that is approved for the treatment of pyromania.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pyromania
- Wikipedia's article - Pyromania
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