Do I Have Pyromania?

Did you deliberately set fire more than once?

Do you feel tensed or aroused before setting fire?

Do you have a fascination with or interest in fire and its situational contexts (e.g., uses, consequences)?

Do you experience pleasure or relief when setting fires or when witnessing/participating in the aftermath?

Are you sure that you don’t set fire for monetary gain, as an expression of sociopolitical ideology, to conceal criminal activity, to express anger, to improve one’s living circumstances, in response to a delusion or hallucination or as a result of impaired judgment (e.g., in major neurocognitive disorder, intellectual disability, substance intoxication)?

Are you sure that the fire setting is not better explained by another type of disorder or mental condition (e.g., conduct disorder, a manic episode or antisocial personality disorder)?

Based on your answers, you probably won't be diagnosed with pyromania. The most important feature of pyromania is repeatedly failing to resist impulses to purposefully start fires for gratification. If you experience this symptom, it is essential to seek medical support. Pyromania is a serious illness that has dangerous consequences not only for you, but also for the people around you. Your doctor will decide if treatment is necessary.

Based on your answers, it may be important to discuss your problem with a doctor. If you show signs of pyromania, you should seek help immediately. Without professional help it is almost impossible to recover from such disorder. What matters is that you and everybody else around you is safe from damage. Additionally, the act of setting fires can lead to imprisonment. Ask for help, you are not alone!

Based on your answers, there is a chance you will receive the diagnosis for pyromania. You should also know that this disease affects only a very small part of the population. Nevertheless, it may be important to seek out a professional to find out if treatment is essential in your case and if so, to start treatment as soon as possible. Pyromania is not something to treat lightly. People who are diagnosed with this disorder should be helped immediately to keep themselves and others safe from harm. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be prescribed, as well as medication and lifestyle changes.