Am J Psychiatry 1984; 141:504-508
Copyright © 1984 by American Psychiatric Association
Arson: an unforeseen sequela of deinstitutionalization
J Geller
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.
