What is narcissistic personality disorder? Nick Cannon reveals he needs help amid clinical diagnosis

Nick Cannon has recently addressed his struggle with narcissistic personality disorder in an exclusive interview with People magazine after being diagnosed with the same earlier this month. The comedian disclosed the news while appearing on Counsel Culture podcast on November 8, 2024.

As per Cleveland Clinic, narcissistic personality disorder, also known as NPD, is a mental health problem that impacts how an individual views himself or herself and relates to others. The problem is common among men, and in some cases, it is diagnosed at the time of birth.

During his conversation with People magazine at the Thanksgiving Celebration of the Los Angeles Mission on Wednesday, November 27, Nick Cannon addressed how he has been living with the disorder as he stated:

"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.'"

Nick recalled that he had once contracted ADHD and mentioned that he suffered from dyslexia while growing up. He continued speaking on how he adjusted himself to the NPD diagnosis and continued:

"I just embrace mental health and therapy in such a strong way. To be able to say I'm an example for others, but also be healing during the self-process works too."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPD might happen due to genetics, negative childhood experiences, parenting style, and culture. It can lead to a lineup of complications like mood disorders, personality disorders, and suicidal tendencies. The problem can be treated through various therapies, including dialectical behavioral therapy.

Symptoms of the disorder usually include an individual bragging about his or her achievements. The person might have certain fantasies of having or deserving success, power, intelligence, beauty, and more. Other signs include belief in superiority, need for admiration, willingness to exploit others, lack of empathy, and arrogance.

---

Nick Cannon disclosed his NPD diagnosis on the Counsel Culture podcast

The America's Got Talent host confirmed in an episode of Counsel Culture podcast earlier this month that he has been diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. The episode also featured Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, who asked him if he had been "clinically diagnosed" with the disorder and Nick agreed to the same.

Nick Cannon then stated:

"When I did get diagnosed with it because I have no problem with it. There's a spectrum, you know what I mean, and I think even it starts off with like confidence, overconfident, arrogance, and then you, that's when you know you step into the space of narcissism and in that, there's markers."

Nick Cannon mentioned the symptoms of the disorder and disclosed that he has met various therapists who told him that his condition would improve with time. He further stated:

"I've taken away all the power away from the term narcissism because I've researched it and I understand it. Call me whatever you want... now if I didn't know what it was, then I have issue with it."

Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, who is a doctor of psychology, said in response:

"That part of the narcissist I don't believe is unhealthy... That's the part I actually admire about you is that you stand on 'Yeah, 12 kids, 12 babies, yeah narcissist, yeah this is what they say.'"

The Men in Black II star stated that he is doing everything possible to be a good father to his 12 children. Nick Cannon mentioned that he is attempting to "make the best out of the situation" that he has created and is working to "step up."

The 44-year-old has gained recognition for his appearances on TV shows like The Masked Singer and Real Husbands of Hollywood.