Symmetrophobia

Symmetrophobia is the fear of symmetry. Symmetrophobia could be caused by someone who has a chaotic personality who was forced to do something structured and symmetric, thus disrupting their normally asymmetric minds. This fear also may be due to the fact that these people perceive symmetry as something of beauty and they may fear that they are not worthy of something beautiful. Others may perceive symmetry as perfection and those who fear perfection or are insecure with one’s imperfection may also have this fear.

People with this phobia will not have anything in the house that is symmetric and they will have abstract or asymmetric paintings instead of symmetric ones, and they will love anything that is skewed. They may have symptoms of anxiety when faced with something symmetric and have palpitations, tremors, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, nausea or vomiting.

Treatment may include behavioral and cognitive psychotherapy. Medications are not usually needed because these individuals are able to function even with this fear.