Nick Cannon, known for his outspoken nature and larger-than-life persona, has always felt different from others. Now, the TV personality is opening up about his recent diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder.
”I still don’t understand it all the way, but I kind of always wanted to get tested for it. I did a bunch of tests,” he says in a candid interview with People.
Nick Cannon is a multifaceted TV personality, actor, comedian, and entrepreneur. He’s best known for hosting America’s Got Talent and The Masked Singer, as well as for his roles in Wild ‘N Out and films like Drumline.
Cannon is also a successful producer and music executive, and he’s gained attention for his personal life, including his large family.
What Nick Cannon’s says about his diagnosis
The 44-year-old has suspected it for most of his life – and now Cannon has been diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder.
For Cannon, it seems to have been natural to share the news.
”I feel like there’s so many labels out there, but it’s like, to be able to embrace it and say, ‘Look, I’m healing. I need help. Show me.’ I just embrace mental health and therapy in such a strong way,” he says. ”To be able to say I’m an example for others, but also be healing during the self-process works too.”
Nick Cannon opened up about his diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder for the first time on the Counsel Culture podcast on November 8th.
”I’ve taken all the power away from the term narcissism ’cause I’ve researched it and I understand it,” said Cannon on the episode. ”Call me whatever you want… now if I didn’t know what it was, then I have issue with it.”
Nick Cannon revealed that he has been “clinically diagnosed” with narcissistic personality disorder, sharing that he strongly relates to almost all of the key traits associated with the condition.
What is narcissistic personality disorder?
So, what does the condition mean?
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by an inflated self-image, a constant need for admiration, and a tendency to overlook one’s own flaws. This condition can create challenges in relationships, as the ability to understand and empathize with others’ feelings is often lacking.
“They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them,” writes the Mayo Clinic.
People with NPD often struggle with relationships due to their lack of empathy and tendency to manipulate others for personal gain. However, the condition can vary in severity, and individuals with NPD can seek therapy to manage symptoms and improve interpersonal skills.
As mentioned, Cannon says that he recognized almost all the symptoms associated with the condition, which include a heightened sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a constant need for admiration.
Does Nick cannon has ADHD?
Yes, Nick Cannon has publicly shared that he was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) at a young age. He has also shared that he was diagnosed with dyslexia during his childhood.
Despite the challenges, Cannon has used his ADHD to fuel his creativity and drive, excelling in multiple careers as a TV host, rapper, and entrepreneur. His openness about the condition has helped raise awareness about ADHD, showing how individuals can thrive by embracing their unique traits.
Narcissistic personality disorder treatment
There is no standard treatment for NPD. But treatment for narcissistic personality disorder primarily focuses on talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy. And it seems that Cannon has already begun this process, judging by his statements.
The therapy helps individuals understand their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions while exploring the underlying causes of their need for admiration and grandiosity.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to challenge negative thought patterns and encourage healthier ways of relating to others.
While treatment can be challenging, especially due to the individual’s resistance to change, it can help improve self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships over time.
How many has Narcissistic personality disorder?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) affects between 0.5% and 5% of the population in the U.S. Men and individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) make up 50% to 75% of those diagnosed.
However, many individuals with NPD may hide their narcissistic traits or beliefs, a phenomenon often referred to as “covert narcissism.”
Famous people with Narcissistic personality disorder
NPD has long been suspected in several high-profile figures, though few have publicly acknowledged it.
One notable exception is Scott Levy, an American professional wrestler better known by his ring name, Raven. Despite his success in the wrestling world, with appearances in major promotions like ECW, WCW, WWF/E, and TNA, Levy has openly discussed his diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder, alongside borderline and histrionic personality disorders.
Known for his sharp wit and strong presence, Levy has often been praised as one of the best talkers in wrestling. His openness about his mental health, including his struggle with NPD, sheds light on the complexities of the condition, which many individuals choose to keep hidden, especially in the public eye.
When we look into the world of film, it’s easier to find examples of characters exhibiting traits of narcissistic personality disorder.
Narcissistic personality disorder in movies
Famous examples of characters that embody these traits include Suzanne Stone-Maretto, played by Nicole Kidman in the 1995 film To Die For. Stone-Maretto is willing to go to extreme lengths in her obsessive pursuit of fame. A psychiatric assessment of her character found that she met 8 out of 9 criteria for NPD, cementing her as a ”prototypical narcissistic person.”
Similarly, Jay Gatsby, the iconic character from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, has been described as a ”pathological narcissist.” English professor Giles Mitchell characterizes Gatsby as someone whose “ego-ideal” becomes “inflated and destructive,” driven by grandiose lies, entitlement, and an exploitative treatment of others, ultimately leading to his downfall.
As Cannon faces his narcissistic personality disorder diagnosis, it seems he’s already taking steps to understand himself better and adjust. His openness about his diagnosis could serve as a pivotal moment in his personal growth, just as he’s been open about the complexities of his family life.
The real truth about his children
Cannon is known for his large family, with 12 children from six different women.
He shares his 12 children with ex-wife Mariah Carey, Abby De La Rosa, Alyssa Scott, Brittany Bell, Bre Tiesi, and Lanisha Cole.
Nick Cannon revealed on a podcast with therapist Laura Berman that his decision to have many stems from spiritual “visions” and “manifestations” he experienced, which he compared to the biblical “Father Abraham conversation.”
He explained, “I heard that like, ‘Yo, you’re gonna be a father of many. There’s gonna be your great influence, your lineage, your offspring are gonna do great things.’”
Moving forward
Despite his busy career, Cannon opens up about how he manages to spend time with all his kids, especially during the holidays.
”It’s very complicated. I’m a busy man on Thanksgiving,” he told People, explaining how he navigates multiple family homes to enjoy all his favorite holiday dishes.
”I’m going to be full by the end of the day, but everybody specializes in certain things, you know what I mean? Some people got good sweet potato pie, some people got amazing fried turkey. So I know every house that needs to have the things that I really like.”
Cannon also plans a jam-packed December, hoping to create magical moments with his children in the snow. ”Everywhere from Aspen to Santa’s Village, all of those things,” he shared. ”All the kids want to go to the snow. So a little bit of East Coast, a little bit of Aspen, a little bit of Big Bear.”
Nick Cannon’s openness about his ADHD and narcissistic personality disorder offers a powerful reminder that mental health challenges come in many forms.
By sharing his journey, he not only raises awareness but also encourages others to embrace their own unique traits and seek support when needed. Thank you, Nick!
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