Pop star Selena Gomez to take career break after panic attacks

Pop star Selena Gomez said she was taking time out to deal with panic attacks and depression thought to be a side effect of her lupus disease.

Gomez, 24, issued the statement in the midst of her Revival world tour.

The former Disney Channel star revealed last year that she had been diagnosed with lupus - a disease where the immune system starts to attack and inflame healthy cells, tissue and organs.

It was not immediately clear when she would start her break or what would happen with the rest of her tour, mostly in Europe and South America, through the end of 2016.

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

She added: "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 . . . I need to face this head on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best."

Gomez announced her decision about two weeks after getting into a social media feud with her ex-boyfriend, Justin Bieber.

The Canadian pop star posted images to his Instagram page of himself and his latest girlfriend, Sofia Richie.

Fans posted negative comments and Bieber made his account private in response.