[Arson--a disorder of impulse control?].
Reviewing the literature the current knowledge about the motivational basis of arson is discussed. Fire-setters form a heterogenous group; they seem to commit their crimes for different reasons. Some of them are imbecile, some suicidal, and other showed autoaggressive behaviour in the past; sometimes a connection with sexual excitement can be observed. The criteria for the diagnosis "pyromania" used in the classification manuals DSM-III-R and ICD-10 are strict, in order to facilitate an operationalised diagnosis. Most of the fire-settings cannot be classified under this subcategory of "disorders of impulse control". However, impairments of impulse control are typical characteristics in most cases of arson.
Hollweg
M
M
Psychiatrische Klinik, Universität München.
D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005391:Firesetting Behavior / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Brandstiftung--eine Störung der Impulskontrolle?