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This small nucleus contains almost half of all the brain neurons that use norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter. The locus coeruleus also projects its axons to those parts of the brain that may be associated with panic disorders (the amygdala, hippocampus, septum, cortex, brainstem, reticular formation, etc). Stimulating an animal's locus coeruleus, like stimulating its amygdala, produces anxiety behaviours.
The prefrontal region of the brain is most often the area that is connected with anxiety, among other things. Research has shown that the amygdala that consists of a cluster of nerves and is associated heavily with fear and aggression may activate and cause panic attacks due to abnormal activity.