George Michael is seeking treatment for extreme anxiety.

The British singer has been forced to cancel his Australian Symphonica tour dates in November as he has decided to receive professional help for "major anxiety" following his traumatic battle with pneumonia late last year.

The 49-year-old star announced his plans to undergo treatment today after a performance at London's Royal Albert Hall last night.

In a statement, the ex-Wham star said, "I have today announced the cancellation of the shows in Australia which breaks my heart. By way of explanation all I can say at this time is that since last year's illness I have tried in vain to work my way through the trauma that the doctors who saved my life warned me I would experience. They recommended complete rest and the type of post traumatic counselling... Unfortunately I seriously underestimated how difficult this year would be... I was wrong to think I could work my way through the major anxiety that has plagued me since I left Austria last December."