Selena Gomez Cancels Tour Dates Over Anxiety And Depression

Selena Gomez has cancelled the European leg of her world tour over "anxiety, panic attacks and depression".

The singer and actress, 24, revealed last year she had been diagnosed with chronic autoimmune disease lupus which causes the body's immune system to attack healthy tissue.

She said she had decided to take time off, almost halfway through her gruelling seven-month Revival tour schedule, to "focus on maintaining my health and happiness".

The break will affect at least shows, including five in the UK and Ireland, which had been due to take place in November.

In a statement released by promoter Live Nation, Gomez said: "As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways.

"I've discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.

"I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off.

"Thank you to all my fans for your support. You know how special you are to me, but I need to face this head on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best.

"I know I am not alone and by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues."

It is not clear whether the tour will continue for scheduled dates in Dubai, South America and Mexico.

After confirming her lupus diagnosis, Gomez told Billboard she had undergone chemotherapy during a break she took during her 2013 Stars Dance tour.

According to the NHS , lupus is a complex and poorly understood condition that affects many parts of the body and causes mild to life-threatening symptoms.

The most common symptoms include extreme tiredness, rashes on the face, wrists and hands and joint pain and swelling.