Sudden Wealth Syndrome (SWS) describes a state that may be experienced by someone who suddenly has become wealthy.
Clinical features:
(1) sudden wealth, typically significant
(2) psychological changes that may include identity crisis, distress, anxiety, guilt, alienation from friends, paranoia, insomnia, loss of control and/or irrational behaviors
(3) not better explained by another diagnosis
Risk factors:
(1) poor economic status prior to the sudden wealth
(2) poor understanding of finances
(3) pre-existing personality disorder
The psychological distress can be managed by:
(1) getting counseling
(2) getting the help of a financial advisor
(3) getting a tax planner
(4) keeping the wealth confidential when possible
