Does money buy happiness?

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Millions of Americans want a shot at becoming the winner.

"I'm here trying to buy my lucky Powerball tickets," Scott Nasser said.

Nasser already knows what he would do with the money.

"I would donate some of it to Schreiners, cripple children's hospitals and take care of my friends and family," Nasser said.

Although odds of winning are slim, one in 175 million, if you do win, psychologists say long-term results can be hurtful.

"For people who don't necessarily have a lot of wealth, to instantly have it sets in motion all kinds of chain reactions I don't know that anyone can anticipate because now you have it, before you just dreamed about it," Indiana State University Director for the Center of Health, Religion and Spirituality Dr. Christine Kennedy said.

Dr. Kennedy said if you're a compulsive or pathological gambler, you can get into trouble.

Side effects of instantly having mass amounts of money include stress, anxiety, making assumptions and personality changes.

It's a chance that millions just can't pass up.

"Why wouldn't I go through what could potentially be life altering in an instant," Dr. Kennedy said.

Professionals say in some circumstances, be careful what you wish for.