Nick Cannon Opens Up About Narcissistic Personality Disorder Diagnosis
Television personality and father of 12, Nick Cannon, has bravely unveiled his diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), shedding light on his journey towards self-understanding and healing.
In a candid conversation with People magazine, published on November 28th, the 44-year-old Masked Singer host shared that he’s been grappling with this diagnosis for some time, stating, “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.”
Cannon’s openness comes as no surprise. He has long been upfront about his experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, highlighting his lifelong awareness of being "neurodivergent." Now, he embraces this new label with the same courage, saying, “I kind of always knew that I was an example for others, but also be healing during the self process works too.”
He confessed, "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.’"
Cannon emphasized his commitment to mental health and therapy, seeing them as vital tools on his path towards becoming a better version of himself.
He previously revealed this diagnosis on his podcast, *Counsel Culture, earlier this month, where he engaged in a deep conversation with Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, a clinical psychologist. "Call me whatever you want… now if I didn’t know what it was, then I have issue with it,” he explained during the discussion, highlighting his desire to reclaim the narrative surrounding this often misunderstood condition.
This personal journey follows another significant revelation in Cannon’s life. This year, he and his partner, Abby De La Rosa, announced that their two-year-old son, Zillion, had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They chose World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) to share this news on Instagram, celebrating their son’s unique spirit and expressing their unwavering love and support.
Their joint post read, “Today our family recognizes World Autism Awareness Day which is beyond meaningful to us because our amazing two-year-old, Zillion, was recently diagnosed with ASD — joining the unique energy of others like Niko Telsa [sic], Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and Michael Angelo, just to name a few dynamic individuals!,” They went on to describe Zillion as "a world of wonder," expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to guide him.
Cannon’s family life is a complex and ever-evolving tapestry. In addition to Zillion, he shares twin brother Zion and daughter Beautiful Zeppelin with De La Rosa. His other children include twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-wife Mariah Carey; Rise Messiah, Powerful Queen, and Golden Sagon with Brittany Bell; Legendary Love with Bre Tiesi; Onyx with LaNisha Cole; and Halo Marie with Alyssa Scott. Tragedy struck the family in 2021 when his son Zen, shared with Scott, passed away from brain cancer as an infant.
Cannon’s willingness to openly discuss his mental health journey, both personally and professionally, sends a powerful message about the importance of seeking help, challenging stigma, and embracing the complexities of the human experience.
## “Mirrors adn masks”: Nick Cannon On Confronting Narcissistic Personality Disorder
**World Today News Exclusive Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Clinical Psychologist**
Nick Cannon’s recent public disclosure about his narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) diagnosis has sparked widespread conversation. We spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, a leading clinical psychologist specializing in personality disorders, to unpack the complexities of this condition and its journey towards diagnosis and treatment.
**WTN:** Dr. Carter, Nick Cannon’s willingness to be open about his NPD diagnosis is critically important. what are your thoughts on the potential impact of such high-profile disclosures?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s incredibly brave of Mr. Cannon to share his experience.Stigma surrounding mental health, especially personality disorders, is still pervasive. His openness can definitely help normalize these conditions and encourage others struggling with similar challenges to seek help. It also highlights the importance of early identification and intervention.
**WTN:** Could you explain what narcissistic personality disorder entails?
**Dr. carter:** NPD is characterized by a persistent pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with NPD often have an inflated sense of self-importance, crave attention and validation, and struggle to recognize or understand the feelings of others. This can lead to difficulties in relationships, employment, and overall well-being.
**WTN:** Some may view NPD as simply being “self-centered.” How does this diagnosis differ from everyday narcissism?
**Dr. Carter:** Everyone exhibits narcissistic traits to some degree. It’s part of being human to have moments of self-importance or desire for recognition. Though, NPD is a clinical diagnosis that involves a pervasive and rigid pattern of these traits that substantially impairs functioning and relationships.It’s significant to remember that NPD is a complex mental health condition, not a character flaw.
**WTN:** In the context of Mr. Cannon’s case,he has spoken openly about his struggles with fatherhood and relationships. how can NPD manifest in personal life?
**Dr. Carter:** NPD frequently enough creates challenges in maintaining healthy relationships.
Individuals with NPD may struggle to empathize with their partner’s needs, prioritize their own desires, and have difficulty taking obligation for their actions.
This can lead to feelings of resentment, neglect, and ultimately, relationship breakdown.
**WTN:** WhatS the path forward for someone diagnosed with NPD?
**Dr. Carter:** Effective treatment usually involves psychotherapy, specifically long-term, individual therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly helpful in challenging distorted thinking patterns, developing empathy, and improving dialog skills. It’s crucial to emphasize that treatment for NPD takes time, commitment, and support.
**WTN:** Dr. Carter, thank you for shedding light on this important topic. Mr. Cannon’s honesty is a valuable step towards fostering understanding and encouraging others to seek support.
**Dr. Carter:** my pleasure. It’s vital to remember that mental health journeys are unique and complex.
Open conversations and access to resources are critical for individuals to navigate these challenges and live fulfilling lives.
