Characteristics of fire-setters. A study and proposed multiaxial psychiatric classification

Br J Psychiatry. 1995 Mar;166(3):393-6. doi: 10.1192/bjp.166.3.393.

Abstract

Background: The study set out to review the relationship between mental disorder and fire-setting.

Method: Sociodemographic, psychiatric, and medical data were retrospectively obtained from case notes of a group of 36 fire-setters referred to the North West Thames Forensic Psychiatry Service over a four-year period.

Results: Of the sample, 28% were female and one-third had no mental illness; 28% had a previous medical history of possible relevance. Psychoactive substance abuse was common. There was a significant disturbance of interpersonal relationships. Eighty-five per cent lived alone, and 44% of the female fire-setters had a history of sexual abuse.

Conclusion: On the basis of this study, a multiaxial classification system of fire-setting is proposed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Comorbidity
  • England / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Firesetting Behavior / classification
  • Firesetting Behavior / epidemiology*
  • Firesetting Behavior / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / classification
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Development
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Factors