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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.
A California team has discovered the region of the brain that controls how anxious we are - and found it wasn't where they had thought. The team now say it could now be targeted with drugs, leading to far more effective treatments within a decade. Researchers say the discovery could lead to new treatments for people suffering from anxiety disorders.