HUGH LAURIE - LAURIE CREDITS HOUSE WITH CURING DEPRESSION

British actor HUGH LAURIE credits his role in hit US TV show HOUSE with curing the deep depression he suffered for three years.

The 45-year-old star self-diagnosed his illness after attending a stockcar race for charity, where his numb feelings forced him to confront his problems and seek help from a psychotherapist.

And he's thrilled his low self-esteem and sadness has been relieved by his critically-acclaimed part as anti-hero DR GREGORY HOUSE in the medical drama.

Laurie explains, "There were cars exploding and turning over, and it was life or death, but it suddenly hit me: I was bored: I was bored.

"I thought, 'This can't be right. I should either be hating it with every fibre of my being or loving it, because this is an extreme experience'.

"I realised this was the state of mind of a depressed person. I diagnosed myself and decided I would try to sort it out.

"I was amazed that people put up with it. I would cling to unhappiness because it a was known, familiar state."