Pyromania- the urge to set fires for pleasure, gratification, or release of tension http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?

videoId=xaA2P3 EZHaE Symptoms: Increased tension before setting a fire High stress levels Suicidal thoughts Relationship issues Substance abuse

Frequency: Usually young adult males 3-7% of population More likely if a person feels rejected

Etiology Child Abuse Oppurtunity theory- Because a person can, he does it Learning theory- witness family members commit criminal acts Expressive Trauma- Result of childhood trauma Stress Theory- result of extreme stress Social Acceptance Theory- set fires to gain peer acceptance Social Reaction Theory- fire started for the publics reaction Causes vary with age If less than 8, likely curiosity If 8-12, psychological conflicts 13-18, psychological crisis

Treatments Often difficult because patients deny fires Positive reinforcement- rewarding of good behavior Topiramate Lithium Clonidine

Diagnosis

The patient must meet the following criteria according to DSM-IV-TR: o Set fires on more than one occasion intentionally o Experience tension or extreme emotions before fire o Have a fascination with fire o Experience relief or pleasure through setting fires o Have no other motives o Have no other disorder

Prognosis Children and adolescents usually respond well from therapy Adults usually respond poorly to treatment and constantly enter remission

John Orr Worked for a fire department Started 21 fires Killed 4 people in one fire Fires were set all over California 1 fire burnt down 67 houses Is incarcerated for life

Paul Keller Set 77 fires o Including One retirement home Turned in by his own father