The mental state of arsonists as determined by forensic psychiatric examinations.
In this study we evaluated whether arsonists (n = 98) differ from homicide offenders (n = 55) in regard to psychiatric disorders, suicidality, and criminal responsibility in the context of forensic psychiatric pretrial examinations. Arsonists were mainly male, poorly educated, unemployed, and living in rural areas. Eighty-four percent of the arsonists and 62 percent of the homicide offenders had an alcohol abuse problem. This difference was statistically significant (p = .002). The arsonists more commonly had suicidal thoughts and attempted suicides. Over one-third of the arsonists used fire-setting as a suicide attempt. In comparing the arsonists with the control group, there was a statistically significant difference in the variables that indicate suicidality. Arsonists more commonly had diagnosed psychiatric diseases (p = .008). The incidence of psychoses was fourfold, chronic or severe depression about threefold, and mental retardation twofold when compared with the homicide offenders. Eighty-five percent of the arsonists had received psychiatric care before the crime was committed. The arsonists were more often found to be not criminally responsible for the crime committed (p = .01).
Räsänen
P
P
Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Finland.
Hakko
H
H
Väisänen
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005391:Firesetting Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D006708:Homicide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007298:Insanity Defense; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology