General Information About Pyromania
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the act of deliberately starting fires on more than one occasion due to an irresistible impulse, stemming from a person's abnormal fascination with fire, burning, and firefighting equipment.
Arsonists deliberately start fires to collect insurance money, take revenge on an enemy, or for a political act. Pyromaniacs have no logical reason; they do it solely for the satisfaction and thrill (gratification) of the fire itself.
The individual feels increasing arousal, anxiety, and tension before starting the fire. When they light the fire and watch the flames, they experience a profound sense of relief, pleasure, and satisfaction.
Generally, no. Pyromaniacs love to watch the fires they start from a distance. They even derive pleasure from being amidst the panic, pretending to help the fire brigades arriving at the scene.
It is a diagnosis where legal and psychiatric evaluations intersect. Based on the DSM-5 criteria, a psychiatrist confirms it when the person's action is not driven by anger or financial gain, but by an impulsive tension-relief axis.
It is a difficult and long-term treatment because the person generally tends to deny their actions. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the patient is taught to release their internal tension through healthy ways rather than fire. Antidepressants or mood stabilizers are used to suppress the impulses.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
