Arson: an unforeseen sequela of deinstitutionalization.
Did the shift from institutional to community-based services brought about by deinstitutionalization affect the nature or function of pathological fire setting? The author studied admissions to a state hospital that were precipitated by arson. During a 200-day period, 14 patients accounted for 16 admissions and 17 fires. The data indicate that fires are set by consumers of public sector mental health services to communicate a wish or a need for a change in location of those services. Communicative arson has caused property damage, personal injury, and death and has resulted in a backlash against community alternatives for psychiatric treatment.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D003142:Communication; D003688:Deinstitutionalization; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005391:Firesetting Behavior / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006783:Hospitals, State; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation