title: [Empirical findings with arson offenders].
abstract: Forensic, psychological and psychopathological findings on 40 arsonists, who were investigated in our psychiatric department between 1980 and 1990, are presented. The findings indicate that arsonists represent a diagnostically heterogeneous group of offenders. On the other hand, some common psychodynamic patterns can be seen; in particular, a high degree of suicidal and autoaggressive behaviour. As reported by other authors, arsonists appear to suffer from a disorder of impulse control. A historical review illustrates that since the mid-19th century a purely psychopathological model of pyromania has been found unsatisfactory, and suggests that psychodynamic aspects should not be over-emphasized. Analysis of the different motivation and abnormalities of arsonists could render the term pyromania obsolete. This requires however a radical reappraisal of the significance of psychiatric diagnosis within an anthropological framework.
authors: Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik, Erlangen.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Rechlin
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Weis
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005391:Firesetting Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007298:Insanity Defense; D007360:Intelligence; D010553:Personality Development; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D012917:Social Adjustment
vernacular_title: Empirische Befunde bei Brandstiftern.