Pyromania

Introduction

Impulse Control Disorder is a mental health condition in which patients struggle to resist harmful impulses. Pyromania disorder is one such mental health condition in which patients develop disruptive behaviour and start setting objects on fire to vent out their pent-up emotions. Pyromania often causes mental stress, emotional pressure and isolation from the society that would need immediate medical attention.
Read on to learn more about what is Pyromania, various types of Pyromania and what causes Pyromania. There is more in the article about diagnosing Pyromania and what is the treatment of Pyromania.

What Is Pyromania?

Pyromania is an impulse control disorder in which a patient is unable to resist the urge to destroy by setting something on fire. People often associate arson with pyromania disorder but are mistaken. Pyromania disorder involves intentional fire-setting habits that are compulsive and pathological. Arson, on the other hand, is a criminal activity usually driven by personal gain.
Most arsonists are not diagnosed with Pyromania disorder but could be suffering from other psychological problems. However, pyromania cannot be used interchangeably with arson.

Types of Pyromania

1. Impulsive Pyromania
Impulsive Pyromania is when patients set fire to places or objects suddenly. This type of pyromania is often triggered by emotional stress or tension. The fire-setting relieves the inner turmoil and often lacks consideration for consequences. Impulsive Pyromania cannot be prevented or controlled.

2. Planned Pyromania
Planned Pyromania is when patients carefully organise acts of fire-setting. Patients plan every detail like the location of the attack, materials to be used and timing to execute the actions. There is plenty of preparation and is often driven by other psychological motivations.

3. Attention-Seeking Pyromania
Patients suffering from Attention-Seeking Pyromania start a fire to gain recognition or validation from others. They aim to draw attention to their actions and may also ensure that their actions are noticed.

4. Pathological Pyromania
Pathological Pyromania is the most serious form of pyromania. Patients are severely obsessed with fire and use it as a form of self-expression. This obsession is deeply rooted in the mind and patients often experience pleasure.

Statistics and Facts

Patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease have often exhibited symptoms of impulse control disorder. On a global level, many people suffer from various kinds of impulse control disorders. Globally, kleptomania, oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder are some of the most common disorders.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: Pyromania is a common problem among juveniles.
Fact 1: False. Pyromania is a psychological problem that can happen to anyone.

Myth 2: Anyone or everyone who sets fire to something or someone is a pyromaniac.
Fact 2: False. Violent actions performed by anyone who benefits from these actions are not a pyromaniac. Patients suffering from pyromania disorder usually do so to feel mentally relieved.

Myth 3: Only boys suffer from Pyromania and usually outgrow the disorder.
Fact 3: False. Male and female are all susceptible to pyromania. This disorder needs proper psychological treatment and a patient cannot simply outgrow the problem.

Risk Factors for Pyromania

Pyromania can occur because of a combination of environmental and psychological factors. Childhood trauma is one of the leading causes of developing any impulse disorder. Teenagers are at the highest risk of developing Pyromania.
Those who are exposed to fire at an early age are also more prone to this disorder. Experiencing stressful events at an early stage or any kind of peer influence can increase the chances of a person developing this disorder.

What Causes Pyromania?

• Co-existing Disorders
  Pyromania can occur because of pre-existing mental disorders like anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Patients with learning disabilities and substance abuse are also more prone to developing pyromania.
• Genetic Factors
  Patients whose ancestors have suffered from other impulse control disorders are more likely to develop pyromania.
• Chemical Imbalance
  Chemical imbalance and poor emotional regulation are causes of pyromania. This imbalance can affect emotions and impulses making an individual more susceptible to pyromania.
• Stress and Other Triggers
  Patients with pyromania have often suffered from loss, trauma or other major life stressors. Pyromania is a coping mechanism for these triggers causing patients to associate fire-setting with pleasure.

Signs and Symptoms of Pyromania

Unlike the compulsive, gratification-driven behaviour of pyromania, patients exhibit the following signs and symptoms stem from external factors.

• Patients set fire to a place deliberately on multiple occasions.
• Patients often feel energised or excessively feeling stressed before starting a fire.
• Patients are intensely obsessed with setting fire to certain kinds of objects and places.
• Patients feel emotionally relieved by witnessing fire and derive pleasure from such incidents.

This kind of behaviour is categorised as pyromania if the symptoms cannot be attributed to any other mental disorder. These fire-setting behaviours are not motivated by financial gain, political ideologies or any kind of hallucinations.

Diagnosing Pyromania

Diagnosing Pyromania is an extensive process. Here are a few factors that are considered when a patient is interviewed:

• Therapists when diagnosing Pyromania check if patients are deliberately setting fire to a place or an object.
• Therapists check for emotional arousal before they perform the act. Patients often exhibit curiosity and fascination with fire including its consequences.
• Therapists check if patients feel relieved or exhibit a severe emotional response before or after the act.
• A final diagnosis is reached when there is no other explanation for the behaviour. Scans and blood tests rule out other medical issues.

How to Treat Pyromania Disorder?

1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an effective treatment that enables a patient to lead a normal life. Here are the best and the most effective psychotherapies for patients:

- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
With CBT, therapists can identify negative thought patterns and their triggers. The source of triggers is recognised and patients are trained to control their behaviour when exposed to a situation. With cognitive restructuring, responses are improved and patients can manage their reactions smartly. CBT ensures long-term recovery that allows patients to lead a normal life.

- Family Therapy
Family therapy is essential for a patient to maintain coping mechanisms. This therapy allows members of a family to prevent relapse. Therapists explain the procedure of the treatment to patients’ families and explain how recovery can be sustained. Families are also given a brief of the disorder and various treatments that can help a person.

- Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions are helpful for patients to regain their confidence. With this form of therapy, patients can brainstorm together and learn various forms of coping mechanisms. It validates their fears and makes them believe in themselves.

2. Distorted Behaviour Identification

Identifying distorted behaviour patterns is essential for patients to manage their impulses independently. Therapists train patients to redirect their impulses and regulate their emotions. They also work on improving a patient's habits and replacing them with healthier habits. This approach is different from CBT as it focuses more on the basic habits, lifestyle and even routine of a person.

3. Skill Development

Skill development is an important component of getting treated. Patients learn better problem-solving skills through self-monitoring techniques. Therapists train patients to learn fire-extinguishing methods and look for alternative harmless solutions to vent out their energy. Patients are also trained to understand the negative consequences of their actions to better understand the severity of the situation.

Living with Pyromania

Living with pyromania can be challenging as patients are preoccupied with destructive thoughts. Actions and habits are governed by instant gratification of needs making it difficult to fit into a society easily.
Patients must maintain patience as the treatment can be time-consuming. Reading about the disorder is essential to accept the problem. Patients must gain awareness about the disorder and attend therapy consistently to minimise the frequency of episodes.
Changing habits can be a big task that often causes frustration. However, patients must remain calm and not push through the treatment to expedite the process. Treating psychological disorders is a slow process which includes lifestyle changes.
Patients also suffer from isolation because of their dangerous habits. Therefore, they must analyse the negative consequences of the actions before performing a rash act. Having a support group is a must for patients whom they can turn to for help.

How to Support Loved Ones Suffering From Pyromania?

• Patients suffering from pyromania must stay under constant surveillance. Keeping a watch on them is essential so that they do not harm themselves.
• Friends and family must avoid participating in activities that trigger them. A collective effort is a must when it comes to treating psychological disorders.
• Encourage them to seek therapy as soon as they are diagnosed with the disorder. Professional psychiatrists diagnose the problem at the right time which makes the recovery faster.
• Avoid judging their behaviour as they are mostly not under their control. Patients suffering from mental disorders like Pyromania are not violent towards other people. However, they might get aggressive if they are triggered.
• Patients must be gradually re-introduced to social settings. A feeling of isolation sets in when a person is suffering from any mental disorder. Extreme caution must be exercised when they are recommended to participate in social activities.
• Honesty must be exercised when symptoms are first stated to a psychiatrist. Discuss the family history, persistence of symptoms and other relevant factors for a proper diagnosis and timely recovery.

Jagruti Treatment and Recovery

• Customised Treatment Plan
  Therapists and counsellors at Jagruti Rehab Centre frame customised treatment plans for patients. The severity of the problem depends on patients and their behaviour. Therefore, mental health experts understand the severity of the problem and the circumstances of an individual before framing a treatment.
• 24/7 Supervision
  Patients suffering from Pyromania pose a danger to themselves and others. Therefore, dedicated nursing staff at the facility ensures that they are always under constant supervision. Triggers are managed and CCTV cameras are always functioning which enhances the security. Relapse prevention is also a part of the treatment. Consistent routine if counselling is maintained wherein therapists make sure that there is no recurrence of the previous symptoms.
• Online and Offline Counselling
  Residential and non-residential treatment programs for multiple disorders are available at Jagruti Rehab Centre. Patients who are in advanced stages are recommended to opt for offline counselling by staying at the facility. However, those who are in the initial stages of the disorder or are working or studying can opt for online therapy.
• Flexible Payment Methods
  Patients can opt for all kinds of payment methods. The team allows patients to pay in instalments as well. Whether it is an online or an offline course of treatment, patients and their families are briefed about the treatment in advance to ensure maximum comfort.
  A dedicated team of mental health experts and physicians keep a check on those patients who are suffering from co-morbidities. Jagruti Rehab Centre has tied up with multiple hospitals that provide emergency care services to ensure maximum comfort.