Fire-setting, pyromania and self-mutilation in female remanded prisoners

Abstract

Abstract A co-morbid history of fire-setting and self-mutilation in a sample of female remanded prisoners identified a subgroup with severe personality disorder, early onset of behavioural disorder, and extensive criminality. The relationship between fire-setting and self-mutilation in these subjects was mediated through antisocial personality disorder and an underlying mood disorder. The phenomenology of fire-setting and self-mutilating behaviour was identical in women with pyromania.