A Look at Symmetry/Order OCD
By : Katherine Pica LCSW
You’ve probably read or heard about The Story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears before. Goldilocks stumbled upon a house in the forest. She walked inside and found three bowls of porridge. The first bowl of porridge was too hot. The second bowl was too cold. The last bowl of porridge was just right. After she helped herself to a meal, she went to rest in a chair. She again found three chairs. The first and second chairs were too big, and the last was just right. Then, she went to find a bed so she could rest more. Once again, there were three beds. The first bed was too hard. The second bed was too soft. And the third bed was just right.
Just right OCD is very similar to this story. A person with just right OCD or symmetry and ordering OCD will often perform an action until it feels right. Let’s look more at symmetry and order OCD.
What is Symmetry and Order OCD?
Symmetry and ordering OCD is a type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This type of OCD causes a person to focus on how something is arranged or positioned. When things aren’t in a certain or specific order, it can cause anxiety or stress.
What Causes Symmetry and Order OCD?
Similar to other types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, there isn’t one known cause of Symmetry OCD. That being said, there are several believed factors that can contribute to it. Age, comorbidity, and gender are some of the most common factors.
Age is a common factor, especially when OCD is diagnosed early. Symmetry OCD is more common among individuals who are diagnosed with OCD earlier in their lifetime. When it comes to gender, this type of OCD tends to be more common among men. Symmetry OCD is also more common when individuals already have a pre-existing condition. Other factors that are more common with other types of OCD include biology, environment, and genetics.
The Obsessions
These are some of the most common obsessions of symmetry or order OCD:
Anxiety due to asymmetry
Fear that something bad will happen if something is out of place
The desire for things to feel balanced
The need for items to look and feel balanced (ex., books on a shelf, pillows on a couch, cups in a cupboard)
The Compulsions
These are some of the most common compulsions of symmetry or order OCD:
Arranging and rearranging personal items (ex., clothing, shoes, food, books)
Rewriting words that don’t look proportionate to the others on the page
Tracing edges of shapes
OCD Treatment Options
Symmetry OCD is treatable, just like other types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It’s important to seek help if the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing are starting to impact your daily life and routine.
There are some things that you can do on your own if you’re experiencing symmetry OCD. One of the best things you can do is to educate yourself about the disorder. Learn about the causes, signs, and symptoms. Make a list of the signs and symptoms that you’re experiencing.
It’s important to know that while the signs and symptoms of OCD can get better, the proper action plan is essential in the treatment process. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. Show how strong you are and ask for the help you need and deserve.
OCD treatment near me
At Resilience Counseling we specialize in treating OCD. All the therapists on staff are trained in our experience with working with OCD. If you are struggling with OCD you we can help you! Working with a therapist can help you learn tools and skills to better manage your Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. There is help a available! Reach out to us today if you’re interested in setting up a free consultation.
Author Bio: Katherine Pica OCD Therapist - San Diego, CA
Katherine Pica clinical director/owner of Resilience Counseling. She has been practicing since 2007 for over 17 years! Katherine supervises and trains all of the therapists on staff. Trained in ERP for OCD and EMDR for Trauma. Katherine brings years of experience working with OCD to you. 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.
