Nick Cannon, the 44-year-old television host and music personality, has revealed his diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) on his Counsel Culture podcast.
Known for fathering 12 children with six women, including Mariah Carey and Bre Tiesi, Cannon discussed his condition, which is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a constant need for attention, as defined by the Mayo Clinic. NPD sufferers also often struggle with empathy and consideration for others’ feelings.
Cannon, while serving Thanksgiving dinners at the Los Angeles Mission on Wednesday, revealed to People that he had long suspected he might have undiagnosed mental health conditions.
Despite the belief that narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), like other personality disorders, is a lifelong condition, Cannon is hopeful as symptoms can improve with aggressive therapy.
“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 explained. “I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. Even as a kid it was dyslexia, but just knowing that I’m just a neurodivergent individual, I kind of always knew.”
The host of “Wild ‘N Out” said this newly diagnosed condition offers him a fresh opportunity to improve both himself and his life.
“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 explained.
“To be able to say I’m an example for others, but also be healing during the self-process works too.”
During an episode on his show, psychologist Dr. Cheyenne Bryant assessed Cannon, who realized that many characteristics of NPD matched his behavior.
Cannon felt empowered by understanding the disorder through his research. While the exact causes of NPD are unknown, it is believed that childhood factors, including unhealthy relationships with parents, may contribute to its development.
According to Harvard Medical School, children who experience either parental rejection or excessive criticism are at risk of developing Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Interestingly, children who are overly praised by caregivers may also be vulnerable.
The disorder can manifest in varying degrees, with some individuals leading productive lives, while others may struggle significantly with its symptoms.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) often coexists with other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder.
The disorder affects approximately 5% of adults in the U.S., with men being 50% more likely to develop it than women.
During his appearance at the Thanksgiving charity event on Wednesday, Cannon was joined by fellow celebrities, including actor Joe Manganiello and reality star Tom Sandoval. They served over 4,000 meals to those in need. In addition to the meals, the event donated over 2,000 items of clothing and offered pampering services, such as haircuts, manicures, and pedicures.
Cannon, well known for his acting and hosting roles, is also famous for his large family. He now has 12 children with multiple mothers, starting his family journey in 2011.
The busy father jokingly told People that Thanksgiving season is especially hectic for him as he juggles attending various family dinners with his kids’ mothers.
