Symmetrophobia: The Fear of Symmetry
This is another in a series of informational articles about various phobias. This article discusses Symmetrophobia or the fear of symmetry.
Symmetrophobia is the fear of symmetry. Symmetry is defined, by Merriam-Webster dictionary, as “balanced proportions”. The symmetrophobic individual has an overwhelming, irrational fear of proportions or artistic balance in their environment. The person coping with this phobia may become anxious in any situation that is symmetrical and may actively rearrange their homes and work environments so that they are asymmetrical. In extreme cases, an individual may completely withdraw from society as they become completely unable to function in a symmetrical world.
Symmetrophobia derives from the Greek word “symmetros”, meaning symmetrical and “phobos” meaning fear.
What Causes Symmetrophobia?
All phobias are the result of a real-life traumatic incident in an individual’s life. Thereafter, that traumatic experience is automatically and consistently associated with symmetry.
Perhaps the person dealing with Symmetrophobia generally disliked symmetry and over time, a full blown phobia developed. Maybe, as a child, this person had parents who were symmetrophobic and actively rearranged the environment in which they lived. In this example, the person would have simply learned to imitate the response of others.
Whatever the cause, the person impacted by Symmetrophobia can experience anxiety and emotional turmoil that is completely disruptive of their ability to function on a daily basis.
What Are the Symptoms of Symmetrophobia?
The symptoms of symmetrophobia are individual and will vary. Some people, when confronted with their fear of symmetry, may begin to perspire, feel slightly uncomfortable or become nauseated. At the opposite end of the spectrum, other people are so severely compromised by this phobia, that they may experience crippling anxiety and/or panic attacks.
Other symptoms of Symmetrophobia may include:
* A Dry Mouth
* Heart Palpitations
* Numbness
* Heightened Senses
* Breathlessness
* Feeling Dizzy
* Muscle Tension
* Hyperventilation
* Trembling
* Rapid Heartbeat
* Feeling Out of Control
* Feeling Trapped and Unable to Escape
* Intense Feeling of Impending Disaster
How Is Symmetrophobia Diagnosed?
The vast majority of cases of Symmetrophobia are self-diagnosed. The individual realizes that their fear of symmetry is irrational and is severely compromising their ability to function on a daily basis.
The symmetrophobic person may discuss their phobia with the primary physician. Rarely would the doctor diagnosis Symmetrophobia based on that initial discussion with the patient. More routinely, after ruling out any medical reason for this phobia, the doctor will refer the person to a mental health professional for comprehensive assessment and evaluation.
How Is Symmetrophobia Treated?
When the fear of symmetry becomes intense enough to disrupt an individual’s ability to function, there are a number of ways to treat Symmetrophobia.
These can include:
* A referral from the primary physician to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of phobias.
* Traditional “talk” therapy that will teach the person to recognize and control their phobia.
* Hypnotherapy.
* Exposure Therapy.
* Self-help techniques such as purposeful muscle relaxation.
* Support groups with other people who are coping with this specific phobia.
* Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Desensitization Therapy.
* Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization.
* In severe cases of Symmetrophobia, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.
Symmetrophobia is an intense, irrational fear of symmetry. Sometimes that fear can become so overwhelming as to completely halt a person’s ability to function on a daily basis. Unchecked, Symmetrophobia can become a debilitating condition that interferes with an individual’s personal life, their social life and job responsibilities. Untreated, Symmetrophobia can have a devastating impact on every aspect of a person’s life.
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