[Forensic psychiatric examination of arsonists].

The 116 persons charged with arson in Norway during the years 1980-87 are characterized by poor education, and lack of vocational, marital and social adjustment, combined with alcohol and some drug abuse. Few were psychotic at the time of the arson. Personality disturbance, mostly of an antisocial character was the most prominent diagnosis. Few were sexually deviant. Thoughts and feelings of vengeance, anger and hostility, combined with dysphoria or depression, were common at the time of the arson. Excitement, followed by release of tension upon lighting the fire is frequently reported. Sexual emotions were rather uncommon.