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HomeConditionsDisruptive Behavior Disorders (ODD / Conduct)Pyromania
Mental Health Condition

Pyromania

To define Pyromania: A rare impulse-control disorder marked by recurrent, deliberate fire setting driven by tension and followed by relief or pleasure.

Overview

Description

Pyromania is an impulse-control disorder characterized by deliberate and purposeful fire setting on more than one occasion, preceded by tension or emotional arousal and followed by pleasure, gratification, or relief. Fires are not set for monetary gain, political expression, concealment of crime, retaliation, or to improve living circumstances, and are not better explained by conduct disorder, a manic episode, or antisocial personality disorder.

Prevalence

Rare in the general population; more often identified in forensic or clinical settings. Most juvenile fire setting is NOT pyromania.

Age of Onset

Typically adolescence; can occur in adults. Childhood fire play is common and usually developmentally transient.

DSM-5 Code

312.33

ICD-10 Code

F63.1

By HeyPsych Contributor
Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board
Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board
Board-certified psychiatrists and mental health professionals
Medical Review Board
Published: August 15, 2025
Last Updated: February 20, 2026
Last Reviewed: February 20, 2026

What is Pyromania?

A rare impulse-control disorder marked by recurrent fire setting driven by tension and relief.

Signs & Symptoms

Tension before fire setting, fascination with fire, relief afterward, repeated incidents without external gain.

Causes & Risk Factors

Brain circuit dysregulation, serotonin/dopamine imbalance, family history, early fire exposure, poor impulse control.

How It's Diagnosed

Clinical assessment of fire-setting pattern, tension–relief cycle, fascination with fire, and ruling out other motives.

Treatment Options

CBT, relapse prevention, means restriction, treating comorbidities, family supervision, and legal collaboration.

What It Feels Like

First-person accounts of the urge–relief cycle, shame, fascination, and the struggle to stop.

Real-Life Examples

Stories of teens and adults navigating the tension, legal consequences, and path to treatment.

Common Questions

Is it the same as arson? Can it be treated? What causes it? How common is it?

When to Seek Help

Immediate evaluation for any fire setting or urges. Emergency response for active risk. Treatment essential.

This information about mental health conditions is for educational purposes only. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Seeking Help for Pyromania?

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, know that help is available. Mental health conditions are treatable with options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and early intervention can make a significant difference.
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