Star Wars Child Star Jake Lloyd Shares Schizophrenia Update

Jake Lloydwidely recognized for his new role as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, has shared an update on his current journey with schizophrenia and anosognosia.

His struggles became apparent during high school when he experienced delusions, which led to his initial diagnosis of bipolar disorder. However, in 2008 he was accurately diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, a condition that impairs a person's ability to distinguish between reality and delusion. Tragedy struck again in 2018, when his younger sister Madison passed away unexpectedly, which further affected his mental health.

After spending 18 months in an inpatient mental health facility in Southern California, the now 35-year-old recently reflected on his progress.

Now living in a rehab center, Jake Lloyd expressed optimism about his future and gratitude for the support he has received.

In an interview with Clayton SandelJake said: “Now I can accept further treatment, therapy and my medication. Everyone has been very supportive.” He described his experience with the medication as stabilizing, sharing, “I don't have time to feel unstable. It's a very good cushion.”

Jake also spoke fondly of the “Star Wars” fan base, describing their support as therapeutic. “The experience I've had with the fans is immediately therapeutic. It is still therapeutic at this point. It is good for people and healthy. It's not something I'm shy about.”

Despite the challenges, Jake retains positive memories from filming “The Phantom Menace”. “I really appreciate the time given to us. I am very grateful.”

After his inpatient stay, Jake's mother Lisa Lloyd noticed a marked improvement. “He's interacting with people better and becoming a bit more social, which is really nice. It's like more of the old Jake is coming back, because he was always incredibly social until he became schizophrenic.

Lisa also shared her insights during the interview. “Jake is actually getting a lot better than he was. It's a huge relief for me and the rest of his family. We're all thrilled that he's doing as well as he is and that he's working really hard at it.

Lisa remembered the early signs of Jake's struggles during his high school years. “He started talking about 'reality'. He didn't know if he was in this reality or another. I didn't really know what to say to that.

He was taken to a doctor who suspected that Jake had bipolar disorder and prescribed various medications. However, he faced difficulties after leaving home to attend Columbia College in Chicago and eventually dropped out in 2008, returning to Indiana to live with his mother.

In March last year, Lisa addressed speculation that her son had quit acting due to the negative reception of The Phantom Menace. She explained that his 2008 diagnosis of schizophrenia played a significant role in his decision to step away from the limelight.

“It would have happened anyway,” Lisa said. “I believe it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agrees that Jake was going schizophrenic.

“I protected him from the (Phantom Menace) backlash,” she continued. “He was just riding his bike outside playing with his friends. He didn't know. He didn't care. Everyone's making such a big deal about it. And it's pretty annoying to me because Jake was a little kid when it came out and he didn't feel it, because I didn't allow him online.

Jake was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2016 after 10 months in prison. In early 2024, Lisa revealed that Jake had been admitted to a mental health rehabilitation facility in March 2023 following a psychotic break.

Along with schizophrenia, Jake was diagnosed with anosognosia, a neurological condition that affects a person's ability to recognize their illness. According to Cleveland Clinicthis often leads patients to avoid or resist treatment.

Now, Jake is once again finding solace in “Star Wars,” expressing his love for more recent installments in the franchise, including “Star Wars: Ahsoka” on Disney+.

Although the road has been long and difficult, Jake Lloyd's opening up about his mental health journey offers hope and shines a light on the importance of treatment, therapy and the unwavering support of loved ones.