Arson: an unforeseen sequela of deinstitutionalization

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Abstract
Did the shift from institutional to community-based services brought about by deinstitutionalization affect the nature or function of pathological fire setting? Admissions to a state hospital that were precipitated by arson were studied. During a 200-day period, 14 patients accounted for 16 admissions and 17 fires. Evidently, 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 phsychiatric treatment.

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