Iconic TV Host Reveals ‘Shock’ Health Diagnosis

Iconic TV host Nick Cannon spent part of Thanksgiving opening up to the world about his “shock” mental health diagnosis, which he is working to better understand and come to terms with amid fathering 12 children with multiple women.

The “Wild N Out” host told People Magazine over the holiday that a doctor recently diagnosed him with narcissistic personality disorder, a lifelong mental health condition leaving individuals with an exaggerated feeling of self-aggrandizement and an overriding need for praise. Cannon, 44, said he was diagnosed by Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, a psychologist whom he recently invited on to his podcast. He claims his “research” into his condition will improve his ability to be a better father, a role he knows matters more than ever during the holiday season.

(VOTE: Should JD Vance Run For President In 2028?)

“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, the Daily Mail reported. “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.” Giving his condition a name will also help Cannon seek out treatment, he added. “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. To be able to say I’m an example for others, but also be healing during the self-process works too.”

A 2024 study by Harvard University found that childhood factors likely play a role in whether someone suffers from the disorder, known as NPD. Excessive praise or equal measures of criticism may both contribute to the mental health stress that causes the onset of NPD, and other mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, or other personality disorders often intertwine to influence its growth. It’s believed that up to five percent of the population experiences a demonstrable level of narcissistic personality disorder.

In addition to being globally known as a TV host, actor, and musical artist, Cannon has earned recognition for his large family. The “Drumline” star counts 12 children across different mothers stretching back to 2011. Thanksgiving is a “very busy time” for him these days, Cannon joked, adding that he spreads his time between multiple meals and definitely doesn’t go hungry. “Some people got good sweet potato pie, some people got amazing fried turkey,” he explained. “So I know every house that needs to have the things that I really like.”

The former “America’s Got Talent” host welcomed his first two children with Mariah Carey, whom he dated between 2008 and 2011. He shares three children with Phoenix Suns dancer Brittany Bell, and three others with DJ Abby De La Rosa. His most recent son was born in December of 2022 with model-turned-reality TV star Bre Tiesi. “It’s a boy! We found out yesterday. Everyone knows I have a lot of children. It’s never a competition. Each one is special,” Cannon announced on his since-canceled talk show. In November that year he told The Neighborhood Talk he estimates spending over $3 million annually on his children.

(FREE REPORT: Take Advantage Of Trump’s New “IRS Loophole” ASAP)