Thursday, August 20, 2020

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic Disorder

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic Disorder Panic Disorder Treatment Print Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic Disorder By Katharina Star, PhD facebook linkedin Katharina Star, PhD, is an expert on anxiety and panic disorder. Dr. Star is a professional counselor, and she is trained in creative art therapies and mindfulness. Learn about our editorial policy Katharina Star, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 02, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on June 24, 2019 Tom M Johnson / Blend / Getty Images More in Panic Disorder Treatment Symptoms Diagnosis Coping Related Conditions If youve decided to go to psychotherapy for panic disorder, you may be wondering what your therapeutic treatment options are. Numerous types of therapy are available, depending on your therapist’s approach and training background. Panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy (PFPP) is one such option thats been shown to be effective in treating panic disorder; another effective psychotherapyâ€"often considered to be the most popular type of therapy for anxiety disordersâ€"is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Due to its proven effectiveness, goal-oriented focus, and quick results, professionals who treat panic disorder often prefer CBT to other forms of therapy. The following describes the CBT approach and explains how its used to treat panic disorder, panic attacks, and agoraphobia. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or simply CBT, is a form of psychotherapy used in the treatment of mental health conditions. The underlying concepts of CBT are based on the notion that a person’s thoughts, feelings, and perceptions influence her actions and behaviors. According to the tenets of CBT, a person may not always be able to change her life circumstances, but she can choose how she perceives and acts upon life’s ups and downs. CBT works to help change a person’s faulty or negative thinking, and assists in shifting unhealthy behaviors. CBT is currently used for the treatment of numerous mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. CBT has also been found to be an effective treatment option for some medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. Panic Disorder Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF CBT as a Treatment One of the main goals of CBT is to help a client overcome negative thinking patterns so that he may be able to make better choices in his actions and behaviors. In general, people with panic disorder are often more susceptible to negative thoughts and self-defeating beliefs, which can result in lowered self-esteem and increased anxiety. Fearful and negative thinking is often associated with panic attacks, the main symptom of panic disorder. Panic attacks are frequently experienced through a mix of physical and cognitive symptoms. Typical somatic symptoms include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, and excessive sweating. These symptoms are often perceived as frightening and can lead to distressing thoughts, such as a fear of losing control, going crazy or dying. Fears associated with panic attacks can become so intense that they begin to negatively impact a person’s behaviors. For example, a person may begin to fear having an attack while driving or in front of other people (thoughts). The person will then avoid driving or being in crowded areas (behaviors). Such behaviors lead to a separate condition known as agoraphobia. With agoraphobia, fearful thoughts become instilled over time, and avoidance behaviors only serve to reinforce these fears. CBT can assist people with panic disorder and/or agoraphobia in developing ways to manage their symptoms. A person may not be able to control when he has a panic attack, but he can learn how to effectively cope with his symptoms. CBT assists the client in achieving lasting change through a two-part process. Can Panic Disorder Be Permanently Cured or Only Improved? The CBT Process Recognize and Replace Negative Thoughts. The CBT therapist will first assist the client in identifying his negative cognitions or thinking patterns. For instance, a person may be directed to contemplate how he perceives himself, views the world or feels during a panic attack. By focusing on the thought process, a person can begin to recognize his typical thought patterns and how it influences his behaviors.The therapist may use a wide range of activities and exercises to help the client become aware of his negative thoughts, and learn to replace them with healthier ways of thinking. Additionally, homework activities are often assigned between sessions to help the client in continually identifying and eliminating faulty thinking.Writing exercises can be a powerful way to conquer faulty thinking patterns. These exercises may be used to increase awareness of and replace negative thoughts. Some common CBT writing exercises include journal writing, keeping a gratitude journal, using affir mations, and maintaining a panic diary.Skill Building and Behavioral Changes. The next step of CBT involves building on healthy coping strategies to change maladaptive behaviors. During this phase, the client will learn to develop skills to help in reducing stress, managing anxiety, and getting through panic attacks. These skills may be rehearsed in session, but its also important that the client practices new behaviors outside of therapy, too.Desensitization is a common CBT technique that is used to help the client get past avoidance behaviors. Through systematic desensitization, the CBT therapist gradually introduces the client to anxiety-producing stimuli while teaching him how to manage his feelings of anxiety. The person is slowly introduced to more fear-inducing situations, developing ways to cope with panic symptoms through each feared circumstance.To help remain calm through anxiety-provoking circumstances, relaxation techniques are also learned. These skills assist in manag ing fears, lowering heart rate, reducing tension, and improving problem-solving skills. Some common relaxation techniques include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), yoga, and meditation. Being one of the most widely used forms of therapy, CBT may be part of your recovery process. CBT can help in reducing symptoms on its own, but many will find a combination of treatment options to be the most beneficial. Your doctor or therapist can help you determine if CBT is right for you and assist you in developing a treatment plan that will best suit your needs. The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Scientific Method and Health Care - 2524 Words

|[pic] |Syllabus | | |College of Natural Sciences | | |HCS/465 Version 1 | | |Health Care Research Utilization | Copyright  © 2010 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course introduces students to the purpose and†¦show more content†¦| | | |Process to Problems in Health | | | | |Care | | | | |Learning Team Instructions |Begin working on the Trends and Consumerism in Health Care Presentation due in Week Five. | | | | |Review the Week One objectives and discuss additional insights and questions that may have | | | | |arisen. | | | |Individual |Resource: Literature Review in Research: An Annotated Bibliography Grading Criteria |Wk 1 D7 |10 | |Literature Review in Research:| | | | |An Annotated Bibliography |Go to the Center for Writing Excellence. | | |Show MoreRelatedA Paradigm Shift to Complementary and Alternative Medicine806 Words   |  4 Pages Over the last century, religion, spirituality, and science have all played a major role in health care, although they have never been integrated with traditional medical science in the United States. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a set of medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not part or integrated as part of Western medicine which is the dominant health care system in the United States. Religion and spirituality have both played dominant roles in healingRead MoreCAM Therapeutic Modalities Essay1346 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ CAM Therapeutic Modalities Margie R. Collins SOC/201 Survey of Alternative Medicine November17, 2014 Kay Ach CAM Therapeutic Modalities In the pursuit of health and well-being, many Americans along with the world, have used Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) over the past decade. In July 30, 2009, National Health Statistic Reports demonstrated on a test conducted in 2007 â€Å"that about 38.3% of adults (83 million persons) and 11.8% of children (8.5 million children under the age of 18Read MoreSignificant Health Care Event1225 Words   |  5 PagesSignificant Health Care Event Eugene Whitehead HCS/531 February 18, 2013 Ann Gantzer Science and technology have always been joined at the hip. The evolution of health care services in the United States (U. S.) undoubtedly has been shaped at least in part by advancements in scientific research and knowledge, and technological innovation (Shi amp; Singh, 2012). The following exploration focuses on ways a specific scientific or technological event or innovation affected health care provisionRead MoreEssay On Outsourcing852 Words   |  4 Pages(chiefly in bigger businesses together with instructional scientific facilities) seeking to reply to demand flotations, care this is an increasing number of tricky, and to the linkage among scientific overall performance and style of medical acts . In fact, regular with some authors, in a few European nations which might be greater politically reluctant to privatizations (which comprise the uk, Sweden, Spain, and Portugal), outsourcing of scientific offerings becomes a reaction to ready lists. By wayRead MoreHealth And Social Ca re Research1505 Words   |  7 PagesIn health and social care research tends to accept the methods of social science research because the projects often involve investigating people’s feelings, observations and attitudes, which do not lend themselves to investigation by scientific methodology. Quantitative research Scientific method involves quantitative information. For example measuring changes in the body and analysing blood or urine samples. Body mass index is used to measure height and weight to distinguish whether an individualRead MoreThe Performance Of The United States Health Care System1167 Words   |  5 PagesThe performance of the United States health care system on both cost and quality has long been a subject of controversy with some arguing that it’s the best in the world, but others, increasingly well-armed with international comparisons, making the case that health care in the US is consistently underperforming, particularly considering the relative level of health care expenditures. Perhaps less arguable is the fact that we have not fully realized the hope that a common quality measurement andRead MoreAcademic Process Of Sociological Research970 Words   |  4 PagesAs observed by the Journal of American College Health and Rivero, E.M. et al (2014), â€Å"90% of a ll individuals who die by suicide †¦ have a diagnosable psychiatric condition †¦ [and] although approximately 1,100 college students die by suicide each year, fewer than 20% of students †¦ were receiving mental health treatment.† The journal goes on to state that those who were receiving professional treatment were less likely to attempt suicide, along with the students who had a strong support group of familyRead MoreScientific Management vs Human Relations1608 Words   |  7 Pagesrelevant in today’s environment, but some theories are still implemented like Scientific Management and Human Relations. Scientific management emphasizes on efficiency productivity by motivating workers with monetary rewards. Human relations emphasize on motivation of workers by both financial rewards and a range of social factors (e.g. praise, a sense of belonging, feelings of achievement and pride in one’s work). Scientific management uses incentives to motivate workers. This idea comes from HenryRead MoreHealth Care Evaluation : The Department Of Health And Human Services974 Words   |  4 PagesHealth Care Evaluation Today, many Americans are affected by health care decisions made without their prior knowledge. More than likely most Americans are unsure how those decisions are decided and who is responsible for making those decisions that ultimately affect how health care is administered. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government’s principle agency for protecting the health of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especiallyRead MoreHolistic Medicine Essays794 Words   |  4 PagesMedicine Holistic Medicine, commonly referred to as â€Å"Alternative Medicine†, is a vast and rapidly growing new scientific field. It is derived mainly from ancient, traditional methods of healing that have often been practiced in the East for centuries. These include a variety of techniques from herbal healing to acupuncture to homeopathy to energy channeling. Due to the large number of methods that are covered by the term, there are various definitions of Holistic Medicine. However, all literature

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Biography of Maria Menounos - 1220 Words

Maria Menounos an entertainment journalist. Maria started her career very early at the age of seventeen by winning the title of Miss Massachusetts Teen USA. Then is when her career began and started thriving through radio and television jobs. During her senior year of college enrolled at Emerson she got a job on Channel News One. This job helped launch her career while, reporting she was also trying to produce an independent film â€Å"In the Land of the Merry Misfits†. However, the negative got stolen from the lab so the film was never produced. Fortunately her career with reporting kept her on track. Maria’s career took an astounding push to being on Entertainment Tonight six years after Channel News One. Maria kept that entertainment career going and it went into Access Hollywood. That is where she is really known for her work and reporting. Maria was also on Today and Extra. Maria also has her own reality show called Chasing Maria it sounds exactly how the title put s it. Maria started her career at a very early age and has kept it going ever since. Her career never has a dull moment; she is always doing and reporting something interesting. While, her passion for Broadcast Journalism is very strong, she has also written a book called â€Å"The Every Girl’s Guide To Life†. This book had her career go even farther than imagined. In this book she writes about everything going on in her life and how she maintains it while, at the same time giving advise to her readers. In her book she

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Biomedical Technology In Ethics and Religion Free Essays

here are many misconceptions in biomedical genealogy, mostly caused by the many viewpoints and opinions concerning it. When formulating opinions and viewpoints, it Is crucial to be properly educated about that particular topic. The lack of knowledge and moral dispute may hinder clientele research. We will write a custom essay sample on Biomedical Technology In Ethics and Religion or any similar topic only for you Order Now Although critics argue that it is unethical to manipulate DNA, with genetic manipulation, certain diseases can be eliminated, and cloning holds the ability to produce human organs viable for transplant. Critics argue that it Is unethical to manipulate DNA Some say it Is dangerous because there Is not much knowledge about it. However, genetic manipulation is not a new concept. Some may say that Hitler had this idea before most scientists. An Aryan race is what Hitler striver for. If only he knew that his idea of deciding what genes people receive would carry on even to this day. Scientists are discovering new ways to control what traits are passed through heredity. In the future parents may get to decide what traits their children receive. This breakthrough in technology is very controversial. â€Å"Some critics continue to argue that it’s unethical to manipulate the genetic makeup of human eggs even if here Specter of Human Cloning†). Many religious and moral leaders believe that manipulating DNA crosses a boundary that only God has the right to cross. Many also believe that scientists should not use human embryo in testing because it is wasting human life. Scientists are developing new tests that can determine whether or not a child has a birth defect or disability very early on In pregnancy. In this, parents can decide if they would like to keep their child or not. Religious and ethical people are outraged at such tests because they believe that human life should not be a choice. The problem is that researchers aren’t allowed to use human embryo in such tests, Knish said, so Instead, they use animal embryo†(Peeler 6). The conflict with using animal embryo, Is that scientists do not get the same results as they would if they were to use human embryo. People expect exact results and breakthrough discoveries but they are not willing to pay the price. Genetic manipulation holds the chance that certain diseases can be eliminated. This Is one of the many benefits that come with genetic manipulation. Some say that scientists are finding new ways to control what traits get passed through heredity. If that is so, scientists can make the traits that carry heritable diseases vanish. If scientists can manipulate DNA to relinquish the formation of certain diseases, they will know what causes that disease. This advancement will not only prevent people from obtaining disease but will also eliminate It In people who already have It. We will see disease eliminated in the future, or we will witness the creation of new and 1 OFF unleashed†(Decolletage 75). Some believe that once technology goes so far it will be an unstoppable, dangerous force. Many think that scientists manipulating DNA is imply too far. â€Å"Can we, however, ignore opportunities to improve human health†(Decolletage 51). What if no one in the world had cancer, dow n syndrome, or other disabilities and diseases? People would not oppose research so much if they knew what the outcome would be. People are afraid to take risks; they do not want to put their fate in someone else’s hands. What if those hands cured illness and disease? In addition, new biomedical technology such as cloning holds the possibility of cloning human organs that are viable for transplant. Thousands of people each year die because of organ shortages. Cloning human organs can eliminate this epidemic. If organs can be specially made for each individual who needs one, organ transplant waiting lists can be eliminated. â€Å"†¦ An average of 18 people die each day waiting for transplants that can’t take place because of the shortage of donated organs†(â€Å"The Need Is Real: Data†). These deaths can be prevented by cloning. However, many people believe that cloning is very unethical and goes against religion. This hinders the formation of cloning and holds back scientists from imperative research. The lack of support given by the people for cloning research impedes government and local ending and aid. The delay in funding and aid creates a rift in research. Many people support biomedical technology and cloning, but only to a certain extent. Most religious people are concerned about cloning because they believe that only God has the right to give and take life in any form. In reality, fear and the lack of knowledge inhibit many religious and ethical people from supporting the idea of cloning. â€Å"If we hope to direct the course of this powerful technology, we should strive to learn as much as we can about these molecular tools and then let scientists and corporations know our wishes. Only then can we truly expect to avoid the risks and enjoy the progress and the promises of our genetic future†(Decolletage 112). Advocates and antagonists both need to strive for further knowledge about this subject in order to tell scientists exactly what they want. How can scientists know how far to take their new technology, if no one has the correct knowledge to tell them where is too far? In conclusion, there are many opinions and viewpoints on the topic of biomedical technology. These can help but they can also hinder scientific research in many ways. One of which is the opinion of religious and ethical people. These people can bring up valid points and bring forth new thoughts and useful ideas about biomedical technology, but they can also let their personal views get in the way. Often times the opinions of religious and ethical people are blurred or disrupted by their personal views. This can lead to extremist views that believe all biomedical technology goes against religion and is unethical. Many people will align themselves with one ideal or theology without educating themselves and considering other viewpoints. In order for both sides of this debate to reach a compromise there must be an open forum of to only communication but also education between both parties. How to cite Biomedical Technology In Ethics and Religion, Essays

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Gustav Klimt paper Essay Example For Students

Gustav Klimt paper Essay They may be completely different to another figure. Josephine Wall is a popular British artist and sculptor. Famous for fantastical works. This painting shows a beautiful girl with strawberry blonde hair out and about on a summer afternoon. The young girl enjoys the sun on her face on a warm midsummer day. The top of her head is covered with a straw hat, and she is surrounded by vibrant summer flowers and trees, and vivid butterflies. But perhaps the most wonderful part of this painting is what is happening right on top of the girls hat. The Tara around her hat turns into a field where people are enjoying the summer and one another. I find this painting to be wonderful. There is such simplicity behind this painting that helps u feel relaxed when looking at it. The simple lives of the people on top of the girls hat are relaxing because we can easily make out that they are having a wonderful time in the summers sun. It captures the soul of summer and what summer should look like in a sense. Rob Gonzales is a Canadian painter of magic realism with a unique perspective and style. The Sun Sets Sail is a smooth and calming painting that is also a wonderful optical illusion. Surrealistic paintings which show two seemingly different realistic scenes that magically merge into one. Gonzales exhibits his talent to trick the audiences perception by establishing the ships as the negative space of the arches under the aqueduct. His treatment of details on the ships and the aqueduct create an optical illusion, and a wonderful piece of artwork. Gonzales used shape in order to define the contours of the sailing hips; the arches under the aqueduct are roughly the same shape as the ships. This diagonal composition strengthens the sensation of movement that the ships create. The space created in the painting extends well beyond the edges. There is no limit set by any object in the space. The aqueduct starts to define an edge, but the arches show more space beyond. The colors in the painting also play a role in defining the optical illusion. The aqueduct is a blue silhouette on the left, and that color becomes the sky on the right. The choice to use Just blues and whites make the illusion smooth and simple. Franz Saver Windcheater (20 April 1805 8 July 1873) was a German painter, known for his portraits of royalty in the mid-nineteenth century. The Princess Leonia reclines on a low Turkish sofa on a veranda overlooking a lush tropical landscape. The style is naturalistic, and the detail is so precise, it looks like a photograph. It was painted in Rome when Franz met the Princess and her husband and made portraits of both of them. Princess Leonia she was a daughter of one of the most influential families of the Russian nobility. Known for her great beauty and intellect, the Princess is resplendent in a luxurious gown of ivory silk moor ©. She is lying on an open balcony and behind the column are plants, and further back, the ocean with a distant island and clouds in the sky displaying the colors of sunset. Windcheater used atmospheric perspective as he painted each receding item with less detail. The detail of the carpet in the foreground, and the large column and rapiers in the background, do not quite as precise, thus, not seem as important. This technique serves two purposes: to show the distance of the island and the horizon from the balcony, and also to ensure that Princess Leonia is the focus of the painting. I chose this painting because of the many different elements of design and principles of art used. The implied texture of her gown; the depth created with atmospheric perspective; the asymmetrical balance, as she is definitely more on the left side of the picture.

Thursday, April 2, 2020

The Construction Forestry Mining Energy Unions Strike

On July 25, the members of the building union at Lend Lease projects in various parts of Australia went on strike. This industrial action was geared towards pushing for a new-fashioned nationwide Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union’s Strike specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) argued out that the principal reason as to why the employee had gone on strike was a disagreement that had arisen with respect to a dispute in wages, job security and site allowances (Balvane et al 2007, p.2). However, it was reported that negotiations are still under way for a better agreement with Lend Lease. Nevertheless, CFMEU was to take that the industrial action would be carrying on even for a longer period of time, and the fight with Lend Lease would be hard (Balvane et al 2007, p.4). Members of the CFM EU opted for this industrial action because they were optimistic as they through that they would be able to secure a decent national Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA). It is thus undeniable that the conflict between the employer and the employees was quite heated (Balvane et al 2007, p.5). Employment relationship existing between the employer and employees is founded on harmony of interests as well as cooperation between these two parties. Both the employer and the employees work towards realizing shared objectives and goals. However, the achievement of these common goals can be difficult if a conflict exists, as in the case with the CFMEU. According to the unitarist approach, the CFMEU was collectively opposing the management, which was a sign of irrationality (Dundon Rollison 2007, p.23). The unitarist approach deems the management to be the sole source of authority, with managerial entitlement to be rational, acceptable and legitimate. On the basis of this approach, it is ar guable that the abovementioned industrial conflict, maturing to an industrial action, was a function of the management dwindling to avail considerable stout leadership. In addition, this conflict might have been caused by the inability of management to communicate its goals in an effective manner (Balvane et al 2007, p.10).Advertising Looking for essay on business corporate law? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The members of the CFMEU, in the perspective of the unitarist approach, are not loyal to the organisation and have not accepted the management’s authority in appreciation of the shared interests and goals. These members are seemingly competing with the management, distressing the symphonic operations of the organisation at the same time (Balvane et al 2007, p.11). On the other hand, the pluralist approach explains the CFMEU industrial action in a different perspective. According to this approach, every organisati on is made up of individuals whose interests, aims and leadership are divergent (Strauss 2006, p.780). Moreover, the different groups in the organisation ordinary have different and competing goals, and as a result, conflicts within the organisation are not only rational but also inevitable. The members of the CFMEU are pushing for decent national EBA, and this gives birth to a conflict with the management. Even in the event of a conflict, the pluralist approach puts it clear that the raised issue ought not to damage the interests of the stakeholders (Balvane et al 2007, p.12). This is ensured through the institution of apposite rules and procedures that power and authority are evenly distributed among the stakeholders. According to the pluralist approach to the conflict, the management is obliged to acknowledge and make efforts to reconcile the stakeholders’ competing interests and goals (Strauss 2006, p.783). In my view, therefore, the pluralist approach avails a detailed e xplanation on the CFMEU industrial action. First, this approach appreciates diversity and competing goals of organisations. It also documents the role that the management has to play to ensure that reconciliation is arrived at in regards to the competing interests and objectives (Dundon Gollan 2007, p.1185). Furthermore, it recognizes trade unions as valid representatives of employees, facilitating them to bargain over employment terms and conditions as well as to influence the decisions of the management. Through this approach, the role which both the state and the federal industrial tribunals play in determining employment conditions, wages and settlement of industrial disputes is firmly determined (Dundon Gollan 2007, p.1190). References Balnave, N, Brown, J, Maconachie, G, Stone, RJ 2007, Employment Relations in Australia, John Wiley Sons, Australia.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union’s Strike specifica lly for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Dundon, T, Gollan, PJ 2007, ‘Reconceptualising Voice in the Non-Union Workplace’, The International Journal of Human Resource Management, vol.18, no.7, pp.1182-1198. Dundon, T, Rollison, D 2007, Understanding Employment Relations, McGraw Hill Higher Education, Maidenhead. Strauss, G 2006, ‘Work Participation- Some Under-Considered Issues’, Industrial Relations, A Journal of Economy and Society, vol.45, no.4, pp.778-803 This essay on The Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union’s Strike was written and submitted by user Sincere Schmidt to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Measuring Quality of Life Based on Geography

Measuring Quality of Life Based on Geography Perhaps the most important aspect of living that we sometimes take for granted is the quality of life that we receive by living and working where we do. For instance, the ability for you to peruse these words through the use of a computer is something that might be censored in some Middle Eastern countries and China. Even our capability to walk safely down a street is something that some countries (and even some cities in the United States) may lack. Identifying areas with the highest quality of life offers an important view of cities and ​countries while providing information for those hoping to relocate. Measuring  Quality of Life By Geography One way of looking at a places quality of life is by the amount of output it produces each year. This is especially handy in the case of a country considering many countries have varying degrees of production, differing resources, and distinctive conflicts and problems within them. The major way of measuring a countrys output per year is by looking at the countrys gross domestic product, or GDP. The GDP is the amount of goods and services produced within a country annually and is typically a good indication of the amount of money flowing in and out of the country. When we divide a countrys total GDP by its total population, we get GDP per capita which reflects what each individual of that country takes home (on average) per year. The idea is that the more money we have the better off we are. Top 5 Countries with the Largest GDPs The following are the top five countries with the largest GDPs in 2010 according to the World Bank: 1) United States: $14,582,400,000,0002) China: $5,878,629,000,0003) Japan: $5,497,813,000,0004) Germany: $3,309,669,000,0005) France: $2,560,002,000,000 Countries with Highest-Ranked GDP Per Capita The five highest-ranked countries in terms of GDP per capita in 2010 according to the World Bank: 1) Monaco: $186,1752) Liechtenstein: $134,3923) Luxembourg: $108,7474) Norway: $84,8805) Switzerland: $67,236 It seems that small developed countries are ranked the highest in terms of per capita income. This is a good indicator to see what the average salary is of a country but can be a bit misleading since these small countries are also some of the richest and, therefore, must be the most well off. Since this indicator can be a bit distorted due to the population size, there exist other factors which further inform quality of life. Human Poverty Index Another metric for looking at how well-off a countrys people are is to take into consideration the Human Poverty Index (HPI) of the country. The HPI for developing countries represents quality of life by formulating the probability of not surviving to age 40, the adult literacy rate, and the average amount of the countrys population who have little to no access to clean drinking water. While the outlook for this metric is seemingly dismal, it does provide important clues as to what countries are better off. There is a second HPI that is used mostly for those countries that are considered developed. The United States, Sweden, and Japan are good examples. The aspects that are formulated for this HPI are the probability of not surviving to age 60, the number of adults lacking functional literacy skills, the percentage of ​the  population with income below the poverty line, and the rate of unemployment lasting longer than 12 months. Other Measures and Indicators of Quality of Life A well-known survey that attracts a lot of international attention is the Mercer Quality of Living Survey. The annual list places New York City with a baseline score of 100 to act as the median for all other cities to compare with. The rankings consider many different aspects from cleanliness and safety to culture and infrastructure. The list is a very valuable resource for ambitious companies looking to set up an office internationally, and also for employers to decide on how much to pay at certain offices. Recently, Mercer began to factor in environmental friendliness into their equation for cities with the highest qualities of life as a means of better qualifying what makes a great city. There exist a few unusual indicators for measuring quality of life as well. For example, the king of Bhutan in the 1970s (Jigme Singye Wangchuck) decided to overhaul the Bhutanese economy by having each member of the country strive for happiness as opposed to money. He felt that GDP was rarely a good indicator of happiness as the indicator fails to take into account environmental and ecological improvements and their effects, yet includes defense expenditures that rarely benefit a countrys happiness. He developed an indicator called Gross National Happiness (GNH), which is somewhat difficult to measure. For instance, while GDP is an easy tally of goods and services sold within a country, GNH doesnt have much for quantitative measures. However, scholars have tried their best to make some sort of quantitative measurement and have found a countrys GNH to be a function of the well-being of a human in economic, environmental, political, social, workplace, physical, and mental terms. These terms, when aggregated and analyzed, can define how happy a nation is. There are also a number of other ways to quantify ones quality of life. A second alternative is the genuine progress indicator (GPI) which is similar to GDP but instead looks to see if a countrys growth has actually made people better off in that nation. For instance, if the financial costs of crimes, environmental degradation, and natural resource losses are higher than the financial gains made through production, then the countrys growth is uneconomic. One statistician who has created a way to analyze trends in data and growth is the Swedish academic Hans Rosling. His creation, Gapminder Foundation, has compiled plenty of useful data for the public to access, and even a visualizer, which allows for a user to look at trends over time. It is a great tool for anyone interested in growth or health statistics.