Sudden wealth syndrome

Sudden Wealth Syndrome (SWS) is a term that was coined by Dr. Stephen Goldbart and Dr. Joan DiFuria (MCI), psychologists who run the Money, Meaning & Choices Institute, to describe an affliction that they saw in many of their clients who had recently come into significant amounts of money.

Overview

Sudden Wealth Syndrome is not recognized as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but it is used to describe a set of symptoms that can be experienced by individuals who suddenly come into large amounts of money. These symptoms can include feeling isolated from former friends, guilt over their new wealth, fear of losing their new wealth, and an extreme obsession with money.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Sudden Wealth Syndrome can vary from person to person, but they often include:

• Isolation: Individuals may feel isolated from their friends and family due to their new wealth. They may feel that others are only interested in them for their money, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Guilt: Some individuals may feel guilty about their new wealth, especially if they did not earn it through their own hard work. This guilt can lead to feelings of unworthiness and depression.
• Fear of losing wealth: Individuals may become overly concerned with losing their new wealth. This fear can lead to anxiety and obsessive behaviors related to money and spending.
• Obsession with money: Some individuals may become overly focused on their wealth and how to manage it. This obsession can lead to stress and anxiety, and can interfere with their ability to enjoy their wealth.

Treatment

Treatment for Sudden Wealth Syndrome typically involves therapy to help the individual cope with their new wealth and the emotions that come with it. This can include cognitive-behavioral therapy to help the individual develop healthier attitudes towards money and wealth, as well as therapy to help the individual deal with any feelings of isolation, guilt, or fear that they may be experiencing.

See Also

• Wealth
• Mental Health
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Sudden wealth syndrome Resources
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