Star Wars child star Jake Lloyd has opened up about schizophrenia

Jake Lloydwho won widespread acclaim for his portrayal of a young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace , shared information about his ongoing journey with schizophrenia and anosagnosia.

His difficulties became apparent in high school when he experienced delirium, leading to an initial diagnosis of bipolar disorder. However, in 2008 he was accurately diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, a disorder that impairs a person’s ability to distinguish between reality and illusion. 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 psychiatric facility in Southern California, the now 35-year-old recently reflected on his progress.

Jake Lloyd, who is currently in rehab, has expressed optimism about his future and thanked the support he has received.

In an interview with Clayton SandelJake said: “I can now accept continued treatment, therapy and medication. Everyone has been very supportive.” He described his experience with medication as stabilizing, sharing, “I don’t have time to feel unstable. It’s very humbling.”

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 now. It is good for people and healthy. It’s not something I would shy away from.”

Despite the difficulties, Jake retained positive memories from the filming of the film “The Phantom Menace”. “I really appreciate the time that was spent on us. I am very grateful.”

After his time in the inpatient program, Jake’s mother, Lisa Lloyd, noticed significant improvements. “He’s getting on better with people and becoming a bit more social, which is really nice. It’s like the old Jake coming back, because he was always incredibly social until he became schizophrenic.”

Lisa also shared her thoughts during the interview. “Jake is actually getting a lot better than he was. This 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 remembered the first signs of Jake’s difficulties during his school years. “He started talking about ‘realities.’ He didn’t know if he was in this reality or another. I really didn’t know what to say to that.”

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

In March of last year, Lisa responded to 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 drop out of the spotlight.

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

“I protected him from the backlash (‘The Phantom Menace’),” she continued. “He was just riding his bike outside, playing with his friends. He didn’t know. He didn’t care. Everyone makes a big deal about it. And it really annoys me because Jake was a little kid when it came out and he didn’t really experience all of that because I didn’t let him on the Internet.”

In 2016, after a 10-month prison sentence, Jake was diagnosed with schizophrenia. In early 2024, Lisa revealed that in March 2023, Jake was admitted to a mental health rehabilitation facility after suffering a psychotic breakdown.

Along with schizophrenia, Jake was diagnosed with anosagnosia, a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to recognize their illness. According to Cleveland Clinicthis often causes patients to avoid or resist treatment.

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

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