Definition & Meaning of "pyromania"

What is "pyromania"?

Pyromania is a mental health condition characterized by a repeated and intense urge to set fires. Individuals with pyromania may feel a fascination or attraction to fire and experience pleasure, satisfaction, or relief when setting fires or witnessing their effects. This behavior is not motivated by the gain of wealth, revenge, or political ideology but rather by an impulse or need to start fires. Pyromania can lead to significant distress and problems in daily functioning, as well as present serious risks to the individual and others' safety. Treatment typically involves therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help individuals manage their impulses, develop coping strategies, and address underlying emotional issues contributing to the behavior.