For further evidence to support the biochemistry side of the argument, let's look at the crucial anatomical components. The brain is one of mankind's most perplexing puzzles. Despite being shrouded in mystery, the brain is slowly beginning to reveal important facts about itself. Scientists are making advances daily in the study of the human brain and the role that biochemical factors play in contributing to the development of psychiatric disorders. The two parts of the brain that scientists have concentrated on the most so far in this respect are the neurotransmitters and the amygdala.
Neurotransmitters are basically chemical messengers in the brain.
Just like the various instant messaging systems on our computers, the neurotransmitters transfer information from one part of the brain to the other. One biochemical explanation for panic is that there is an over-activity in what's called the locus ceruleus . The locus ceruleus is the part of the brain that triggers a response to danger. It's like our brain's alarm system. People who get panic attacks can be thought of as unwittingly sending alarms to this part of the brain.