Know More About- Pyromania

Introduction 

It is characterized by intentionally setting repetitive fires. It is a psychiatric condition and very rare.  It is an impulse control disorder when a person is unable to resist a destructive urge. These people get pleasure and a sense of relief by setting the fire.

Pyromania in children 

Pyromania could start as early as 3 years but it is often not diagnosed until around 18 years. Often many children are curious about lighting fire or playing with matches, also called a curiosity fire setting and it is considered normal development. If setting fire becomes an issue it is often investigated as a symptom for another condition such as ADHD.

Symptoms

Someone who has pyromania sets fire as frequently as 6 weeks. Symptoms may start at puberty and last until adulthood.

1. Uncontrollable urge to set fire
2. Fascination and attraction to fire
3. Pleasure, a rush of relief when setting or seeing fire
4. Tension or excitement around fire setting
5. Conduct disorders
6. Substance use disorders
7. Mood disorders
8. Impulse disorders
9. They might experience guilt after setting fire if they were trying to fight the impulse as long as they could.

Causes

The exact cause for pyromania is not known but genetics plays a role as they influence neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

• A history of abuse or neglect
• Misuse of alcohol or drugs
• Deficits in social skills or intelligence
• Having other mental health conditions such as a conduct disorder

Who is at risk for pyromania? 

1. Predominantly male
2. They might have learning disabilities or lack social skills

Diagnosis 

Pyromania is rarely diagnosed because of a lack of research. Sometimes pyromania is only diagnosed after they go for treatment for some other condition like depression. From there they can further evaluate to see the diagnostic criteria for pyromania.

To receive a diagnosis, one must

• Purposefully set fire often
• Experience tension before and after setting fire
• Having an intense attraction to fire
• Derive pleasure from setting fire
• Having symptoms that are not explained by any other mental disorder

A person with pyromania can only receive diagnosis if they don’t set fires:

• For money
• Ideological reasons
• To express anger
• To cover up a criminal act
• To improve one’s circumstance
• In response to delusions or hallucinations
• Impaired judgment like being intoxicated.

Treatment 

It can be chronic if left untreated.

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps control a person’s impulses and triggers.
2. Aversion therapy
3. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
4.  Anti-anxiety drugs
5. Antiepileptic medications
6. Atypical antipsychotics
7. Lithium
8. Anti-androgens

Helpline

https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_health/bha_pyromania/

https://www.allaboutcounseling.com/library/pyromania/

https://tatteredsanity.tumblr.com/hotlines