Rechlin T, Weis M
Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik, Erlangen.
Nervenarzt. 1992 Nov;63(11):683-90.
Forensic, psychological and psychopathological findings on 40 arsonists, who were investigated in our psychiatric department between 1980 and 1990, are presented. The findings indicate that arsonists represent a diagnostically heterogeneous group of offenders. On the other hand, some common psychodynamic patterns can be seen; in particular, a high degree of suicidal and autoaggressive behaviour. As reported by other authors, arsonists appear to suffer from a disorder of impulse control. A historical review illustrates that since the mid-19th century a purely psychopathological model of pyromania has been found unsatisfactory, and suggests that psychodynamic aspects should not be over-emphasized. Analysis of the different motivation and abnormalities of arsonists could render the term pyromania obsolete. This requires however a radical reappraisal of the significance of psychiatric diagnosis within an anthropological framework.
本文呈现了1980年至1990年间在我们精神科接受调查的40名纵火犯的法医、心理和精神病理学调查结果。结果表明，纵火犯是一个诊断上异质性的犯罪群体。另一方面，可以看到一些共同的心理动力学模式；特别是高度的自杀和自我攻击行为。正如其他作者所报道的，纵火犯似乎患有冲动控制障碍。历史回顾表明，自19世纪中叶以来，纯粹的纵火狂精神病理学模型一直被认为不尽人意，并表明不应过分强调心理动力学方面。对纵火犯不同动机和异常情况的分析可能会使纵火狂这一术语过时。然而，这需要在人类学框架内对精神病诊断的意义进行彻底重新评估。
