Did the shift from institutional to community-based services brought
about by deinstitutionalization affect the nature or function of
pathological fire setting? The author studied admissions to a state
hospital that were precipitated by arson. During a 200-day period, 14
patients accounted for 16 admissions and 17 fires. The data indicate that
fires are set by consumers of public sector mental health services to
communicate a wish or a need for a change in location of those services.
Communicative arson has caused property damage, personal injury, and death
and has resulted in a backlash against community alternatives for
psychiatric treatment.Abstract Teaser