Inpatient psychiatric treatment of a young recidivist firesetter

The inpatient psychiatric treatment and 1-year follow-up of a recidivist child firesetter with multiple clinical and behavioral problems is described. This case was unique due to the child's young age and both the severity and frequency of firesetting. The focus of therapy was on teaching fire safety skills and concepts to alter the child's interest in and involvement with fire. Other elements of the therapy targeted associated antisocial behavior and depression. At 1-year follow-up, the child had not engaged in additional firesetting. This case highlights the need to provide a comprehensive assessment of firesetting, understand its relationship to psychopathology, and offer specialized interventions.