Pyromania is a psychic disorder that is defined as an impulse control disorder. It is a pathology that is based on the tendency to cause fires. It is characterized by the repeated provoking of intentional fires. The human mind is so complex that a person can also commit acts that are explained by a particular disorder. The medical identification of a disorder sheds light on the understanding of a specific attitude.
The start of a fire in children and adolescents and pyromania in adults can be chronic or episodic. Some people can frequently set fires as a way to relieve stress, others apparently only do so during unusual periods of stress in their lives.
Pyromania is responsible for a very small percentage of fire cases in which a child or adolescent is the suspect. However, children as young as three years old can develop pyromania. For a child to be diagnosed as an arsonist, they must deliberately have a history of arson, and it must be shown that the cremation cannot be attributed to retaliation attempts, financial motives, brain damage, or other psychological disorders such as antisocial personality. disorder. It must be shown that the child has an attraction to fire and experiences feelings of satisfaction or relief after starting a fire.
Pyromania in adults resembles other impulse control disorders, such as substance use disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. Pyromania in adults has been associated with symptoms including depression, thoughts of suicide, repeated conflict in interpersonal relationships, and poor ability to cope with stress.
An arsonist, therefore, is a subject who is attracted to generating and spreading fire. This causes him to intentionally start fires, enjoying the process and the consequences.
On a psychological level, it should be noted that when the disorder is diagnosed earlier, the search for treatment is more effective, otherwise, the problem worsens. On the other hand, it is also important to note that arsonists may also experience feelings of guilt over their actions, which is the reason why they sometimes anonymously report the fire they have set to put it out.
