Pyromania/ Firesetters and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review

The following article aims to explore the relationship between Pyromania/Firesetters and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in childhood and adolescence.

A systematic literature review was carried out using search engines such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Sicelo, to find relevant articles. Inclusion criteria included studies that related ADHD and Pyromania/Firesetters, while exclusion criteria included articles not related to the researched variables, articles from other systematic reviews, and articles not related to childhood and/or adolescence.

Of the 71 articles initially identified, five met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis, which demonstrated that ADHD and Pyromania/Firesetters are comorbid conditions that can be diagnosed during childhood and/or adolescence. The comorbid relationship was observed to be more prevalent in boys, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 33%. Firesetting behavior was associated with a sixfold increase in the likelihood of boys being diagnosed with ADHD. Moreover, the comorbid relationship between ADHD and Pyromania/Firesetters was linked to conduct disorders and an elevated risk of future delinquent behavior. Mental health professionals should consider investigating firesetting history during the diagnostic assessment of ADHD, as the absence of early diagnosis and treatment increases the risk of adverse social outcomes.

The study concluded that the results demonstrated the comorbid relationship between ADHD and Pyromania/Firesetters in childhood and adolescence, but more research is needed to better understand this relationship.