Final answer:
Body dysmorphic disorder is an obsessive concern with a perceived flaw in appearance, while delusional disorder, somatic type, entails a firm belief in a physical defect, despite evidence to the contrary. BDD can co-occur with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and treatments often involve therapy and medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and delusional disorder, somatic type, involve a preoccupation with perceived body defects. BDD is characterized by an obsessive concern with a perceived flaw in one's physical appearance that is either nonexistent or barely noticeable to others. In contrast, delusional disorder, somatic type is a psychiatric condition in which individuals hold a firm belief in a physical defect, despite clear evidence against it. While these two disorders share similarities, a key difference lies in the level of reality distortion. BDD sufferers may recognize their concern as excessive or unreasonable, whereas those with a delusional disorder have unshakeable beliefs regarding their supposed defects, regardless of others' reassurances or objective evidence.
It's important to note that BDD often co-occurs with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. This comorbidity suggests that body image concerns straddle the line between inaccurate self-perception and pathological belief systems about one's physique. Treatments include therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication.