VIDEO Meet the Woman Who Eats Couch Cushions

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Meet the Woman Who Eats Couch Cushions


Compulsions drive people to do very strange and unusual things. But eating couch cushions? That may very well be the strangest yet.

Adele, a 30-year-old woman from Bradenton, Fla., recently came forward on a TV show about her bizarre taste for foam materials.

The woman is featured on the TLC program "My Strange Addiction" munching on bite-sized pieces of sofa stuffing -- and even going so far as to prepare snack-sized servings of couch cushions.





The show has already highlighted people who are addicted to tanning booths, ventriloquism and rock collecting, and others who eat any manner of strange things, including toilet paper and kitchen cleanser, but the episode on Adele's couch-consuming habit might be the most compelling yet.

According to psychologist Jason Mihalko, Adele's behavior presents very much like a condition called pica.

"[Pica is] characterized by an individual having a desire to eat nonfood substances," Mihalko told AOL News. "It's most often seen in young children and women."

"There are cases of pica where people eat metal, dirt, feces, chalk, writing utensils and [tree] sap," he said.

As for what might drive a person to eat such strange material? Well, the truth is no one really knows.

"The research on pica is scant," Mihalko explained. "Some research points toward a mineral deficiency, while the more recent thinking is that pica is more closely related to obsessive compulsive disorder."

Mihalko told AOL News that if he were assessing Adele -- or any of the other people featured on "My Strange Addiction" -- he would do a complete assessment for obsessive compulsive disorder, also known as OCD.

"[Some] people with OCD get relief from enormous amounts of stress when they engage in whatever their particular behavior is, whether it be checking locks, washing hands or other obsessive behavior, while some experience enormous stress in engaging in these behaviors."

And what can be done about an obsession with eating couch cushions?

Mihalko suggested that if the couch eating were a method of getting relief or maintaining control, he would try to help her learn different ways to alleviate her stress.

 

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Meet the Woman Who Eats Couch Cushions In a fascinating yet bizarre exploration of human behavior, a segment from TLC's "My Strange Addiction" introduces us to Adele, a 30-year-old woman from Bradenton, Florida, who candidly shares her unusual compulsion—eating couch cushions. This not-so-ordinary addiction has drawn attention for its peculiar nature, compelling enough to become part of a series that has previously highlighted other odd obsessions, such as tanning and collecting ventriloquist dummies.

The Curiosity of Pica​

Psychologist Jason Mihalko weighs in on this phenomenon, suggesting that Adele's couch eating resembles a recognized condition called pica, characterized by cravings for non-food items. Mihalko elaborates that pica is often observed in children and specific adult populations, with reported cases involving materials ranging from dirt and metal to chalk and paper. The underlying reasons for such compulsions remain a mystery—some studies indicate potential links to mineral deficiencies, while others suggest connections to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Mental Health Implications​

The psychological analysis is essential, as Mihalko emphasizes the need for comprehensive assessments for individuals like Adele. Through his expertise, he points out that some with OCD find temporary relief from stress through these compulsive behaviors. For those suffering from this disorder, seeking alternative stress-relief techniques could open doors to healthier coping mechanisms.

What Can Be Done?​

Addressing an obsession with consuming inedible materials seems daunting. Mihalko’s approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the driving forces behind such behavior. Learning new strategies for stress management may provide a healthier outlet for individuals grappling with similar compulsions.

Community Insights​

As we reflect on this unusual case, it prompts further discussion about human behavior and the complexities of mental health. If you’ve encountered similar strange stories or have insights on dealing with compulsions, we’d love to hear your experiences. This thread can serve as a platform for sharing thoughts on the nuances of addiction, whether they be traditional or unconventional. Engage with the community below; let’s explore these intriguing psychological landscapes together!