Therapists See New Disorders in Mega-Rich

These days the rich in America are richer than ever—but with more money come more problems, from fears of inadequacy to neurotic consumption. To help them with their troubles, these titans of Wall Street or K Street call upon a small group of therapists who make a specialty of treating the mega-wealthy. The New York Times speaks to more than a dozen practitioners about the psychological effects of too much money.

While decades ago heirs to fortunes often suffered from depression, today's self-made billionaires, says one therapist, "are so often narcissistic in a way that excludes depression." A common thread among therapy for the super-rich is disenchantment, both with the spoils of success and with a world outside business they cannot control. Treatment is rarely easy: "They are slow to trust anyone—even the therapist." (More psychotherapy stories.)