[The role of alcohol in "pyromania" and arson].

Abstract

The role played by alcohol in pyromania and arson was examined. We had a total of 103 arsonists, 95 of which were men and 8 women. 69 of the offenders had only started one fire, 34 had started more than one. 70 offenders were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the arson, 54 were alcoholics altogether. Adults were usually under the influence of alcohol, whereas adolescents were quite often not. Psychotics were generally not under the influence of alcohol. With regard to marital status, married arsonists showed the highest level of alcohol consumption. Offenders who started fires during the night were usually under the influence of alcohol, very drunk or even alcoholics. There were significant connections between the frequency and level of alcohol consumption and the number of previous convictions. Pyromania is classed as some form of psycho infantilism. In adults, it may be found in the form of an alcohol toxic regression in many different psychological disorders. However, it is found most commonly in unstable people with personality disorders.