Recently, Nick Cannon disclosed his diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder during an episode of his podcast, Counsel Culture.

In the November 7 episode, the host of The Masked Singer revealed he has been clinically diagnosed with narcissism.

“I’ve taken away the stigma of the word narcissism because I’ve studied it extensively. Call me whatever you like,” Cannon shared with psychologist and life coach Cheyenne Bryant, emphasizing that he is accepting of his diagnosis and striving for improvement.

“Growing up in a Christian household, I felt empowered. I’m a go-getter and a change-maker,” he explained to Bryant. “The divine within me reassures me that I’m blessed. I am the light.”

Cannon is a father to 12 children, including twins Moroccan and Monroe, who he shares with Mariah Carey, as well as Golden, Powerful Queen, Zion Mixolydian, Zillion Heir, Zen, Legendary Love, Onyx Ice, Rise Messiah, Beautiful Zeppelin, and Halo.

“How can we all strive to be the best versions of ourselves despite the trauma and chaos that our families create?” he questions during his discussion about effective parenting with Bryant.

What is narcissistic personality disorder?

The term narcissist is often misused to label those who are self-centered, entitled, and manipulative—ranging from demanding parents to toxic partners. However, narcissism is a multifaceted issue that is frequently not well understood.

Experts define a pathological narcissist as someone diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, a condition that only affects around 1% of the population. These individuals may exhibit controlling and intolerant behavior without recognizing their flaws. Instead, they often employ manipulative tactics to avoid accountability, such as gaslighting or devaluation.

Craig Malkin, a lecturer at Harvard Medical School and author of “Rethinking Narcissism: The Secret to Recognizing and Coping with Narcissists,” previously mentioned to YSL News, “Everyone experiences moments of self-focus at times; that’s normal. The key difference with pathological narcissists is their overwhelming desire to be exceptional leads them to disregard the needs and feelings of others, often damaging their careers and relationships.”

Due to its rarity, many misconceptions exist regarding the true nature of narcissism.

Narcissism vs. narcissistic personality disorder: What’s the difference?

Not everyone with narcissistic tendencies has narcissistic personality disorder; some individuals may simply be self-centered yet still show empathy.

Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and author of “Should I Stay or Should I Go? Surviving a Relationship with a Narcissist,” previously told YSL News that narcissism is more broadly a personality style marked by arrogance and entitlement. “It’s pervasive and consistent across various life situations,” she explained.

Conversely, narcissistic personality disorder is an officially recognized medical condition requiring psychological assessment to determine whether behaviors are widespread and cause personal distress or hinder social interactions. For instance, individuals with narcissistic traits may act conceited yet still consider others’ feelings; diagnosed narcissists usually disregard the needs of close individuals, manipulating or belittling them without concern for the impact.

Kim Sage, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in narcissism, previously mentioned to YSL News, “The issue arises when a person’s inner world is defined by a lack of empathy and a constant need for admiration. This creates stress and impairments that often lead to difficulties in relationships.”

What are the common traits of a narcissist?

Narcissism involves a specific set of characteristics that go beyond mere selfishness. Here are some typical signs:

• Deficiency in empathy
• Sense of entitlement
• Exaggerated self-importance
• Obsession with fantasies of unmatched success, power, beauty, or love
• Constant need for validation
• Arrogance
• Interpersonal exploitation
• Manipulative behaviors

What contributes to narcissism?

The question of whether narcissists are born that way or shaped by their environment is a complex one. Experts suggest that both genetic and social factors play important roles.

Research indicates that certain narcissistic traits, such as a sense of grandeur and entitlement, can be inherited—but only to some extent. Additionally, childhood experiences, especially neglectful parenting, significantly influence the development of these traits. A significant study spanning 20 years revealed that supportive and authoritative parenting is crucial in preventing children with narcissistic tendencies (like dramatic or bullying behavior) from developing maladaptive narcissism.

According to Durvasula, not all individuals who experience childhood trauma grow into narcissists. Instead, it is a blend of these risk factors that results in “variability in the developmental path of narcissism.”

What are the various types of narcissists?

Some specialists, like Sage, view narcissism as a spectrum. On one end, it may be a result of ignorance, while on the extreme side, it can manifest as a pathological desire to harm loved ones.

“It’s important to avoid labeling narcissists as inherently cruel,” Sage previously shared with YSL News. She clarifies that narcissism can often arise from an inability to address deeper feelings of guilt, shame, or insecurity.

“Some individuals may intentionally hurt and manipulate others, but it’s a complicated issue. Keep in mind, people with these disorders usually struggle with self-awareness, leading to a lack of empathy and an inflated sense of entitlement that frequently causes harm to others.”

Is it possible to treat narcissism?

Currently, there is no cure for narcissistic personality disorder. Nevertheless, suitable therapy can assist diagnosed narcissists in acquiring strategies to decrease harmful actions and enhance their emotional understanding and compassion.

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This trauma-informed therapy may benefit those whose narcissism is linked to childhood trauma, such as neglectful or emotionally abusive upbringing.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy: This skills-focused program can guide narcissists on healthier methods of managing and expressing their feelings, especially during challenging times, according to Durvasula.
• Schema Therapy: Blending cognitive behavioral therapy with psychoanalysis, this approach helps uncover and understand early maladaptive patterns known as “schemas.” It can be especially useful for individuals whose emotional needs were not fulfilled during childhood.

In the end, treatment for severe narcissism aims to help individuals “acknowledge feelings of sadness, fear, or even healthy anger,” as noted by Malkin. “In thriving relationships, we need to express these emotions while still caring for and connecting with the other person.”

Regardless of which therapeutic approach works best for each individual, effective treatment and transformation require “a commitment to lasting change.”

“Narcissism is a personality style, and altering one’s personality is challenging,” Durvasula points out. “Long-term therapy with a qualified professional who truly comprehends this condition is necessary. Grasping this personality type is only part of the journey.”