Final answer:
The false statement about body dysmorphic disorder is that individuals with the disorder will seek social situations to stop thinking about their appearance; in reality, they tend to avoid social interactions due to their preoccupation with perceived physical flaws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) that is false is: "a person who suffers from this disorder will seek out relationships or social situations in order to stop thinking about his or her appearance." This is not typically true for individuals with BDD, as they often avoid social situations due to the preoccupation with perceived defects in their appearance. BDD is indeed characterized by a preoccupation with one's perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance, which can be minor or imagined. These preoccupations cause significant distress and are not usually relieved by social interactions; in fact, the distress can lead to social isolation.
Moreover, it is worth noting that there is an important connection between BDD and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. Many people who suffer from BDD also struggle with eating disorders, which similarly involve a distorted self-image and preoccupation with body shape and weight.