~ set fires on purpose more than once

~ very tense or excited before setting fires

~ seems fascinated or attracted by fire and objects, people, or situations around fire

~ experiences pleasure or relief when setting or watching fires

 

A person with pyromania does not set fires for money, to expess beliefs, to show anger, or hide evidence. Does not occur in response to a hallucination or during the manic phase of bipolar disorder. A pyromaniac does not have a conduct disorder or an antisocial personality disorder. Most pyromaniacs are male, and have poor social skills. Many have learning disorders. Usually occurs during adolescence or adulthood. Pyromaniacs tend to plan fires in advance, and like to watch any fire they can. Often, they like to set off fire alarms. They do not seem to care about the loss of property, the injuries, or even the deaths that result from the fires. Pyromania is extremely dangerous, and IS a disorder.