Eating Disorders Treatment in India

Pooja Malhotra, a 28-year-old junior architect...

Pooja Malhotra, a 28-year-old junior architect from Delhi, had struggled with bulimia nervosa for seven years. Her career in a high-pressure firm exacerbated her condition. Chronic self-induced vomiting led to severe complications: a persistently sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a hoarse voice that affected her client presentations. An ENT specialist, Dr. Sharma, discovered significant damage: severe acid erosion had worn down her tooth enamel, and she had developed laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) causing inflammation and granulomas on her vocal cords. Dr. Sharma recommended a direct laryngoscopy to fully assess the vocal cord damage and biopsy the granulomas. The procedure, under sedation, was brief but confronting for Pooja, making the physical reality of her illness undeniable. Recovery involved voice rest, high-dose proton pump inhibitors, and intensive speech therapy. The visual evidence from the scope became a pivotal moment, breaking her cycle of denial. She committed fully to a combined treatment plan with her psychiatrist and dietitian. Six months later, her voice was clearer, the throat pain was gone, and she was managing her stress and eating behaviors without purging. Emotionally, she moved from shame and minimization to a place of acceptance and active self-care, feeling her voice had been literally and figuratively restored.