If you have ever seen television's Dr. House in action, you know one of his favorite sayings is, "everybody lies."

Well, not everybody does, but a survey by WebMD shows that at least half of those responding admit that they fib to the doctors.

They may say they take their medications every day when they miss once or twice a week. They don't report all the vitamins and medications they take. And they don't tell the whole truth about their drinking, eating and exercise habits.

Doctors at the University of Washington say people don't intend to lie. Because they want to be respected, they say what the doctor wants to hear, which can keep the doctor from making an effective treatment plan.

In the case of missed medications, the doctor may prescribe a stronger dose, which can cause problems if the patient begins taking it regularly. Not reporting all medicines and supplements could lead to a dangerous drug interaction.

People tend to omit facts and actually lie when they feel judged or ashamed. Doctors quoted in Arthritis Today say mental illness, sexual dysfunction and domestic abuse are some of the subjects patients don't want to talk about. In the case of diet and exercise, it could be a matter of selective memory. Or people just don't realize how much they eat and how little they exercise.

Some people will deny having the symptoms of a condition that is diagnosed because they don't want to have it. That's dangerous.

Doctors should let people know it's OK not to be perfect. Patients should find a doctor they are comfortable with so they can tell the truth.