What Does Fear or Obsession About Symmetry Look Like?
By : Katherine Pica LCSW
When you think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), you may immediately think of obsessive cleaning. This is one of the most common and well-known forms of OCD. Although this is a type of OCD, it’s not the only type of OCD that’s out there. There are many different subtypes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
In addition to being concerned with contamination, there are also subtypes that relate to harm, checking, hoarding, and even symmetry. Let’s learn more about what fear or obsession with symmetry looks like.
When Things Don’t Feel “Just Right”: Understanding Symmetry OCD
For many people, symmetry is simply a preference like maybe lining up pens neatly, adjusting a crooked picture frame, or wanting the pillows on the couch to straight. But for someone struggling with Symmetry OCD, this need for balance and exactness can go far beyond personal preference. It becomes a relentless, exhausting compulsion—one that interferes with everyday life, relationships, and peace of mind. OCD can cause intense anxiety and distress.
What is Symmetry and Ordering OCD?
Symmetry and Ordering OCD is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder that can cause an individual to fixate on how something looks. Someone with this type of OCD will focus on how something is arranged, balanced, or positioned. Now, you may be wondering if you have this type of OCD because you tend to like order and cleanliness. It’s common to want to keep things neat and tidy. But Symmetry and Order OCD goes much further than that. This type of OCD actually causes individuals suffering to become so preoccupied with having an order that they will fixate, redo, or move items or tasks in order to achieve order.
The Obsessions
These are some of the most common obsessions when it comes to Symmetry and Order OCD:
Arranging or placing objects like books, pillows on the couch, clothing hanging in a closet, or pantry items in the kitchen in a certain way, like alphabetically, by height, by color, etc.
Arranging items on a desk in a specific way, like making sure all pens or pencils are lined in perfect order or lining up all items like notebooks, paperclips, and other desk essentials in a straight line.
Matching body sensations: If you hit your right arm on a wall when walking, you may feel the need to hit your left arm on the wall so it feels even and balanced.
Making sure the sheets and comforter are perfectly even on both sides when making the bed.
Obsessing over physical features like the distance between eyebrows, eyes, ears, or nostrils.
Parking a car in the center of the two lines in a parking lot or when parking on the street.
The Compulsions
Just like the other types of OCD, when an individual with Symmetry or Order OCD has an obsession, they will feel the urge to perform a compulsion as a way to cope with the anxiety they’re experiencing. The various obsessions and compulsions can start to have a negative impact on someone’s life. Performing compulsions can prevent someone from doing daily tasks or even becoming uncomfortable in public settings.
These are some of the most common compulsions when it comes to Symmetry and Order OCD:
Arranging or rearranging furniture, objects on a shelf, or home decor.
Mental checks or measurements to ensure things are even or centered.
Ruminating on things that are out of their control.
Balancing out the sensations in their body by repeating actions to the other side of their body.
An uncontrollable desire to touch or trace the edges of certain shapes.
Writing or rewriting something on a page to make sure all letters and numbers are uniform, even, and symmetrical.
How Symmetry OCD Impacts Life
Symmetry OCD can affect nearly every area of functioning in life. Students may take much longer to complete schoolwork due to rewriting notes or needing their papers to look perfect. Adults may avoid tasks like cooking, cleaning, or work responsibilities if they trigger compulsions. You may even have a hard time going to bed or getting dressed in the morning. Relationships can become strained as partners or family members struggle to understand the behaviors or cope with the time lost to rituals.
At its core, Symmetry OCD is not about vanity or perfectionism. OCD is about trying to get about relief from anxiety and discomfort but getting completley stuck. The good news is: it’s treatable!
Evidence-Based Treatment for OCD in San Diego, CA
The gold-standard treatment for Symmetry OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ERP helps individuals gradually face feared situations (like leaving an object uneven) while resisting the urge to perform rituals. Over time, the brain learns that the anxiety will fade on its own, or that they can handle the discomfort - without needing to “fix” or balance things.
At Resilience Counseling, we specialize in treating OCD using ERP. We understand how uniquely challenging symmetry-related obsessions can be. Therapy focuses not only on reducing compulsions but also on helping clients reclaim their life back for OCD’s grip.
Next Steps for OCD treatment near me
If you or someone you love feels trapped by the need for things to be “just right,” you’re not alone—and help is available. Symmetry OCD can be incredibly distressing, but with the right tools and support, it does get better. At Resilience Counseling, we’ve helped hundreds of clients break free from the grip of OCD and move toward more freedom, peace, and self-trust. Symmetry and Order OCD is a treatable subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. If you’re struggling with Symmetry and Order OCD or another subtype of OCD, help is available to you. All you have to do is reach out and ask for it. Working with a therapist can be a great way to help you overcome some of the obsessions and compulsions you’re experiencing. Contact us today to set up a free consutation.
Author Bio: Katherine Pica OCD Treatment - San Diego, CA
Katherine Pica - Clinical Director and Practice Owner of Resilience Counseling. She supervises the therapists at Resilience Counseling brining her 18 years of experience to the team. Trained in ERP for OCD and EMDR for Trauma. Katherine and her team are available in San Diego, CA for session in person and all over California for virtual therapy.
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Disclaimer : The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional and or medical advice, diagnosis, and or treatment. It is important to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health and/or medical condition. Never disregard any professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Resilience Counseling website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately.
