Jake Lloydwidely known for his role as a young Anakin Skywalker in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace," shared an update on his ongoing journey with schizophrenia and anosognosia.

His struggles became apparent during high school when he experienced delusions, leading to an initial diagnosis of bipolar disorder. However, in 2008 he was correctly diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, a condition that impairs one's ability to distinguish reality from delusion. Tragedy struck again in 2018 with the unexpected death of his younger sister Madison, 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.

Currently staying at a rehabilitation center, Jake Lloyd expressed optimism about his future and gratitude for the support he has received.

In an interview with Clayton SandellJake said “I can now accept continued 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 very much a cushion."

Jake also spoke fondly of the Star Wars fan base, describing their support as therapeutic. “The experience I had with the fans was immediately therapeutic. It's still therapeutic right now. It is useful for people and healthy. It's not something I would shy away from.”

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

After his time in the residential program, Jake's mother, Lisa Lloyd, noticed significant improvements. “He's getting along better with people and becoming a bit more social, which is really nice. It's like getting the old Jake 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 is a great relief for me and the rest of his family. We're all just thrilled that he's doing as well as he is and that he's working really hard at it.”

Lisa recalled the first 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 the other. I didn't know exactly 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 Chicago and eventually retired in 2008, returning to Indiana to live with his mother.

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

"It was going to happen anyway," Lisa said. “I believe it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agrees that Jake will become 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 thinking about it. And it's pretty embarrassing for me because Jake was a little kid when it came out, and he didn't really feel all that stuff because I didn't let him be online."

Jake was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2016 after serving 10 months in prison. In early 2024, Lisa revealed that Jake had been admitted to a mental health rehabilitation facility in March 2023 after suffering 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 results in patients avoiding or resisting treatment.

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

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