NCJ Number
101211
Date Published
1985
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This review of research delineates the forensic characteristics of adult and child firesetters and discusses treatment and prognosis.
Abstract
Studies of adult arsonists show them to be predominantly male, single, living alone, unemployed, with a poor school and occupational record, and having a mean age of 29. They show a high incidence of broken homes and family disruption. Alcohol abuse is an important factor. The most frequent psychiatric diagnosis for this group is personality disorder, antisocial type. Motivations include delusion, eroticism, revenge, and help-seeking. Studies of child firesetters have had similar findings of cognitive, educational, personality, and social background deficits and serious family difficulties. Various studies have documented a high incidence of enuresis among child, but not adult, firesetters. Diagnosis and treatment of the primary psychiatric condition is the accepted management in most cases. Personality and substance abuse disorders are most common in adults and conduct disorders are most common in children. As these conditions are difficult to treat, the prognosis for successful intervention is guarded. 34 references.