Symmetry OCD is a subtype of OCD in which a person feels compelled to keep everything extremely balanced, aligned, or neat. This compulsion can manifest itself in the form of a desire for objects to be arranged symmetrically, body movements to feel “balanced,” or activities to be done in even numbers. Although often equated with perfectionism, Symmetry OCD has a different mindset and anxiety. This article will help you better recognise the typical patterns of Symmetry OCD through real-life examples that you can use as self-checking materials.
1. Can’t Sleep Until Everything Looks ‘Just Right’
Every night before going to bed, a person feels compelled to arrange the lamp, charger, and books on the bedside table at a perfectly perpendicular angle. There is a tension that arises if one of the objects looks even slightly tilted or out of alignment. This urge is not just a neat habit, but an internal need to create a sense of “just right” and balance. If the objects are not aligned properly, feelings of restlessness and discomfort will continue to haunt him until he finally feels the need to fix them before he can truly relax or fall asleep.
2. Having to Rub Both Eyes the Same Way
When one unconsciously rubs one eye, one feels compelled to rub the other eye in exactly the same way and with exactly the same pressure. This is not a reflex action, but rather a need to create a balanced sensation on both sides of the face. If only one side is touched, a feeling of oddness or asymmetry arises that is difficult to explain but quite disturbing. This urge arises from a desire to maintain physical harmony, and if not done, the feeling of discomfort can persist until the action is equalised.
3. Chewing Must Be Balanced on the Left and Right
When eating, a person feels that they must chew food the same amount on both sides of the mouth. For example, if they chew five times on the left side, then they must be followed by five chews on the right side. A feeling of imbalance will arise if the amount is not equal, as if something is “wrong” physically or mentally. The motivation behind this behaviour is to create a sense of harmony or symmetry in the body. If this balance is not achieved, a feeling of discomfort that is difficult to explain will arise, and can even disrupt the continuation of the meal.
4. Misalignment Breaks Focus
At the desk, a person feels the need to arrange notebooks and pens perfectly parallel. If one of these objects is slightly tilted or does not form a neat parallel line, focus is immediately disturbed. A feeling of restlessness arises immediately, as if there is a disorder that disturbs mental stability. Behind this behaviour, there is a strong need to create visual order so that the mind feels under control. If these objects are not fixed, it is difficult for him to concentrate or start work calmly.
5. Pressing the Pen Must Be an Even Number
There is a certain habit where someone feels the need to press the pen an even number of times. For example, after clicking three times and realising that it stops at an odd number, there is an urge to press one more time to make the number even. This behaviour is not because of whims or coincidence, but because odd numbers feel “wrong” or uncomfortable. Behind it, there is a strong desire to create a pattern that feels right and balanced. If this need is ignored, the mind becomes restless, and it is difficult to move on to the next activity without first fixing it.
6. If It’s Not the Same, You Have to Start Over
When bathing, a person feels compelled to wash the right and left arms with exactly the same movements and duration. After rinsing the left arm, he or she will repeat the same movements on the right arm — if it feels even slightly different, the process must be repeated from the beginning. This feeling arises from a strong urge to create perfect physical harmony. Any mismatch in movement or timing will create a disturbing sense of discomfort, as if the body is not completely “balanced,” and it makes it difficult to continue the activity without repeating the ritual.
When to Seek Professional Help?
If your drive to create balance or harmony is starting to interfere with your daily activities—such as making you late, having trouble focusing, feeling extremely anxious if something doesn’t “fit,” or constantly repeating an action until you feel relief—then it may be time to seek professional help. When the habit no longer feels like a choice but rather a compulsion that drains your energy and time, therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be very helpful.
At Holland Pearse Psychotherapy, I provide CBT therapy for OCD, including subtypes such as Symmetry OCD. Based in Bristol, my services are available face to face and online across the UK. The therapy is designed to help you understand the roots of your anxiety and develop real strategies to overcome it.
If you are looking for a flexible yet professional online CBT therapy for ocd service, I am here to help you on your journey to a calmer, more balanced recovery.