Pyromania is a clinical disorder where an individual has an impulse of starting fires. They have an idea as to how harmful setting fires are but they feel that is the only way they can relieve their stress and tension. Once they set the fire according to their compulsion they feel relief and contentment.
It falls under the group of disorders called impulse control or conduct disorders and this makes individuals hostile towards others. People suffering from pyromania are excited by fire and they do not have it associated with any external gain instead focus on enjoying the aesthetic qualities of fire.
There have been researchers regarding pyromania where they have made aggression, conduct disorder comorbidity for pyromania, and some correlations between adolescent arsonist, shyness, and rejection from a peer group.
SYMPTOMS OF PYROMANIA
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Setting fire on purpose in one or more areas of life.
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Feeling overwhelmed nervous and high energy before setting the fire.
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After the fire is set, the individual feels relief, calm, and satisfaction.
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The individual feels an attraction to fire.
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The fire is not caused as a reason for any monetary purpose, political reason, or impaired judgment.
RISK FOR DEVELOPING PYROMANIA
According to research Pyromania happens in children and adolescents more than adults and it happens more in males who have social and learning disabilities. There is no age prognosis for it yet.
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN ARSONISTS AND PYROMANIAC
Pyromania and arson are both intentional but pyromania is compulsive and a pathological disorder, differentiating between the two is important for better understanding.
TREATMENT FOR PYROMANIA
Pyromania is a rare disorder and researchers are still trying to develop a better clinical idea of it and better treatment plans.
As people who have pyromania, it is episodic and there is no given pattern for the episodes to occur. It is important to look for help from a skilled person and behavioural therapy works best in this situation.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
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About the Author.
Aishani Chatterjee is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.