What is a defining characteristic of Pyromania?

The defining characteristic of Pyromania is the presence of multiple episodes of deliberate fire setting that are accompanied by emotional arousal. This emotional arousal can manifest as tension or excitement prior to the act and pleasure or relief when setting the fire. This pattern distinguishes Pyromania as a distinct impulse control disorder, where the fire setting behavior is not simply a means of achieving a specific external goal but rather is driven by intrinsic motivations that involve emotional gratification.

In contrast to the other options, those choices do not align with the core features of Pyromania. For example, the description of episodes without preceding tension does not accurately reflect the emotional components that are key to the disorder. Similarly, sleep-related issues do not pertain to Pyromania, as this disorder is specifically focused on fire-setting behavior rather than sleep disturbances or excessive sleepiness. The emphasis on emotional arousal during the act of fire setting is what solidifies the understanding of Pyromania within the framework of impulse control disorders, making it distinct from other conditions that might involve risky or harmful behaviors.