title: Characteristics of low IQ arsonists at psychiatric assessment.
abstract: We conducted a retrospective study of arsonists referred for psychiatric assessment and found that 88/202 (43.6%) had an IQ of 85 or below. The low IQ group showed more evidence of childhood temperamental disturbance, and a later pattern of internal problems rather than external factors expressing themselves as fire-setting. This study highlights the likelihood of lifelong, temperamental problems being apparent in childhood, and being predictive and possibly causative of fire setting in people with a low IQ. Better understanding of the distinct characteristics of lower IQ arsonists is essential for improved prevention, treatment and management.
authors.affiliation: St Andrew's Healthcare, St Andrew's Hospital, Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5DG. gdickens@standrew.co.uk
authors.forename: Geoff
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dickens
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sugarman
authors.forename: Farooq
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Edgar
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hofberg
authors.forename: Sidharta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tewari