Jake Lloyd, the child actor known for his role in 'Star Wars,' shares health update after being diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Jake Lloyd, who portrayed young Anakin Skywalker in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace," shared a positive mental health update after being diagnosed with schizophrenia.

In an interview with "Star Wars: Timelines" co-author Clayton Sandell, Lloyd, now 35, and his mother Lisa Lloyd talked about Lloyd's progress after he recently finished an 18-month stay at a mental health facility in Southern California.

During a conversation with Sandell for a Scripps News article, Lisa disclosed that Lloyd sought treatment following a "severe psychotic episode" in March 2023, during which he turned off his car on a three-lane road.

Sandell reported that Lloyd is currently residing in a new rehabilitation facility, receiving treatment while having the flexibility to come and go as desired. During their discussion, Lloyd shared with Sandell that he was feeling "pretty good."

""I am now open to continuing treatment, therapy, and taking my medication, as everyone has been very supportive," he stated."

Besides schizophrenia, Lisa informed Sandell that Lloyd also has a neurological condition called anosognosia, which, as per the National Institute of Health, is a condition where the patient is unaware of their neurological deficit or psychiatric condition.

Because he didn't believe he was sick, Lloyd refused to take medication despite his condition.

Lloyd described his medication as a "cushion" while speaking with Sanell.

He stated that he didn't have the time for being volatile.

The actor who used to act said that "good things" have resulted from his time in treatment.

Sandell was told by Lloyd that he believed that "rock bottom" was necessary in order to "truly participate in treatment, truly adhere to your medication, and truly cope with your diagnosis."

Lisa previously stated that LLoyd had been struggling with his mental health since high school. She informed Sandell that she believed he had made significant progress since receiving his diagnosis and starting treatment.

"Jake's improvement has brought immense relief to me and his family. We are all thrilled with his progress and admire his dedication. We appreciate his efforts."

At the age of 8, Lloyd gained international recognition when George Lucas cast him as Anakin in "The Phantom Menace." Before starring in the "Star Wars" film, Jake made his acting debut alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1996 holiday movie, "Jingle All the Way."

In 2001, Lloyd's final on-screen role was in the sports drama "Madison," where he acted alongside Jim Caviezel.

In her interview with Scripps News, Lisa stated that Lloyd's portrayal of "The Phantom Menace" as a child did not cause him to abandon acting or contribute to his mental health problems.

Lisa stated that it would have happened regardless, as there was a history of schizophrenia on her father's side of the family.

Jake's psychiatrist agrees that he was going to become schizophrenic, and she added that she believes it was genetic.

Lisa deflected any negativity from her son regarding the backlash the "Star Wars" film received after its release in 1999.

"She shielded him from the criticism. He was simply enjoying a bike ride with his friends. He was unaware. He didn't worry about it, she said. "It's all so overblown," she remarked. "It's really bothersome to me because Jake was just a kid when that happened, and he didn't really understand or care about it because I kept him offline.""

Sandell was informed by Lloyd that he is a fan of the "Star Wars" franchise and cherishes his memories of working on "The Phantom Menace."

He mentioned that he recently played the classic "Star Wars" video games "The Old Republic" and "The Force Unleashed."

He tells me that he wants to play The Force Unleashed II after beating the first one.

Lloyd stated that he hasn't recently watched any "Star Wars" films or series, but he intends to catch up on a special day celebrated globally by fans of the franchise.

He stated that he was waiting for May the Fourth to spend it with his mom.

Lloyd no longer attends "Star Wars" conventions, but his experiences with fans are still "immediately therapeutic."

""It's still therapeutic and beneficial for people, and I wouldn't hesitate to use it," he stated."

Amid his health struggles, Lloyd expressed gratitude for fans' continued support.

""I am truly grateful for the time that has been invested in us," he stated."

Planet Chronicle Digital's Janelle Ash contributed to this report.