title: Mentally disordered firesetters.
abstract: Research on firesetters suggests that the majority are mentally disordered. Schizophrenics are slightly over-represented but most arsonists are characterised by abnormal personalities. While motives for firesetting are usually mixed, anger and revenge are the commonest. Arsonists tend to be underassertive individuals with poor interpersonal skills who are unable to deal effectively with conflict, anger and frustration. This perhaps explains their choice of fire as a weapon.
authors.affiliation: Fromeside Clinic, Blackberry Hill, Stapleton, Bristol.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Short
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003467:Cultural Deprivation; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D005391:Firesetting Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D009042:Motivation; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors