WASHINGTON, March 31 (UPI) — Lupus patients often downplay pain and other symptoms to their physician and family and friends, a U.S. survey indicates.

The survey of 1,000 adults conducted by Roper indicated 87 percent of those diagnosed with lupus report playing down symptoms to their families, while 52 percent said they minimized symptoms to their doctor.

However, 72 percent of physicians surveyed said they did not think their patients minimized symptoms.

“We are seeking further Congressional support for adequate training of healthcare professionals to better recognize, diagnose and treat lupus,” Margaret Dowd, president of the Lupus Research Institute, said in a statement. “The survey confirmed the need for greater professional understanding of the disease.

The Lupus Research Institute is urging every member of Congress to join the new Congressional Lupus Caucus to raise awareness of lupus among patients, their caregivers, healthcare professionals and researchers. The more people know about lupus, the quicker symptoms are recognized and the more effective the treatment.”

A complex autoimmune disease, lupus affects more than 1.5-million U.S. adults, primarily women.

The survey was conducted on behalf of Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline. No margin of error was provided for the survey.