Abstract
Background Although many with intellectual disability come to the attention of services for fire setting, research in this area is scarce, which poses challenges for management.
Method: In this paper we examined those with a fire-setting history (n = 30), identified from a sample of 138 patients treated in a UK forensic intellectual disability service. Those with a fire-setting history were compared to those without this history on various clinical, forensic, and treatment outcome variables.
Results: Fire-setting was associated with significant psychopathology, including psychosis and personality disorders. Only half of the fire setters had a formal arson conviction. Fire setters were more likely to have a violence conviction and criminal sections/restriction orders.
Conclusions: Half of those with fire-setting histories did not have formal arson convictions, highlighting the need for thorough history taking. Prevalent comorbidity suggests interventions should focus on treating psychopathology before commencing offence-specific arson therapies.
Method: In this paper we examined those with a fire-setting history (n = 30), identified from a sample of 138 patients treated in a UK forensic intellectual disability service. Those with a fire-setting history were compared to those without this history on various clinical, forensic, and treatment outcome variables.
Results: Fire-setting was associated with significant psychopathology, including psychosis and personality disorders. Only half of the fire setters had a formal arson conviction. Fire setters were more likely to have a violence conviction and criminal sections/restriction orders.
Conclusions: Half of those with fire-setting histories did not have formal arson convictions, highlighting the need for thorough history taking. Prevalent comorbidity suggests interventions should focus on treating psychopathology before commencing offence-specific arson therapies.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 189-197 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Apr 2015 |
Keywords
- Learning disability
- Arson
- Fire setting
- Mental Health
- Secure
- Forensic