As a generalization of convex functions and derivatives, in this paper, the authors study the concept of a symmetric derivative for preinvex functions. Using symmetrical differentiation, they discuss an important characterization for preinvex functions and define symmetrically pseudo-invex and symmetrically quasi-invex functions. They also generalize the first derivative theorem for symmetrically differentiable functions and establish some relationships between symmetrically pseudo-invex and symmetrically quasi-invex functions. They also discuss the Fritz John type optimality conditions for preinvex, symmetrically pseudo-invex and symmetrically quasi-invex functions using symmetrical differentiability.