OCD: The Obsession with Symmetry

We have all heard of OCD or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This is a mental disorder that causes people to have unwanted thoughts and perform rituals to relieve the anxiety caused by those thoughts. While most people think of OCD as being related to cleanliness, there is another type of OCD that is much less well known: symmetry OCD. People with symmetry OCD are obsessed with creating and maintaining symmetry in their lives. They may spend hours arranging objects in a perfectly symmetrical fashion or be unable to leave the house unless everything is exactly symmetrical. If you are struggling with symmetry OCD, this blog post will help you understand and cope with your condition!

What Is Symmetry OCD?

As we mentioned, symmetry OCD is a type of OCD that is characterized by an obsession with symmetry. People with this condition may spend hours arranging objects in a perfectly symmetrical fashion or be unable to leave the house unless everything is exactly symmetrical. Symmetry OCD may also have other compulsions, such as needing to touch objects a certain number of times or wanting everything in their environment to be a certain color. People with this condition may also spend hours arranging objects in a perfectly symmetrical fashion, or be unable to leave the house unless everything is exactly symmetrical. Symmetry OCD can also be a very debilitating condition, as it can interfere with everyday activities and cause significant distress.

Causes Of Symmetry OCD

There is no single known cause of symmetry OCD. It is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including genetics, brain structure, and life experiences. Some research suggests that people with OCD are more likely to have relatives with the disorder, which further indicates that there may be a genetic component. Additionally, certain life experiences, such as trauma or stress, may trigger the development of OCD.

Symptoms of Symmetry OCD

The most common symptom of symmetry OCD is an obsession with symmetry. People with this condition may spend hours arranging objects in a perfectly symmetrical fashion or be unable to leave the house unless everything is exactly symmetrical. Other symptoms of symmetry OCD include:

• avoidance of asymmetrical objects or situations
• intense anxiety about making things symmetrical
• perfectionism
• spending excessive amounts of time arranging objects in a symmetrical fashion
• being unable to leave the house unless everything is symmetrical
• constantly checking to ensure that things are symmetrical
• difficulty concentrating on anything other than symmetry
• obsessive thoughts about symmetry
• compulsively rearranging objects to achieve symmetry
• extreme need for balance
• increase in anxiety and worry around things kept in un-orderly fashion

Tips For Managing Symmetry OCD

If you are struggling with symmetry OCD, there are some things you can do to manage your symptoms and regain control of your life.

Self-Help Tips

Here are a few tips and tricks you can practice by yourself.

• Create a routine: Having a set routine can help reduce the anxiety associated with symmetry OCD. Try to do things in the same order each day and stick to set times for activities.
• Challenge your beliefs: One of the most effective treatments for OCD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This treatment helps people challenge their obsessive thoughts and replace them with more realistic thinking.
• Expose yourself to triggers: Exposure therapy is another effective treatment for OCD. This involves gradually exposing yourself to situations or objects that trigger your OCD symptoms. Doing this will strengthen your resistance and further dilute the intensity of the exposures.
• Join a support group: There are many online and in-person support groups for people with OCD. This can be a great way to meet other people who understand what you’re going through and also share tips for coping.

Therapy

If you are struggling to manage your OCD with self-help techniques, you may want to consider therapy. Many different types of therapy can be effective for treating OCD, such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps people challenge their obsessive thoughts and replace them with more realistic thinking.
• Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to situations or objects that trigger your OCD symptoms. Doing this can help reduce your fear of these triggers and also make them less distressing.
• Family-Based Therapy: Family-based therapy is a type of therapy that involves all members of the family in treatment. This can also be helpful if OCD is impacting your family dynamics.

Medication

The most commonly prescribed medication for Symmetry OCD is in the form of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA). It is important to follow up with your doctor for a legal prescription, needed dosage, side effects, and efficacy for maximum effectiveness.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with symmetry OCD, know that you are not alone. This blog post has provided some information about what symmetry OCD is and some tips for coping with this condition. Remember to seek professional help if your symptoms are further interfering with your everyday life.