Jake Lloyd, the actor who played young Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," is struggling with his diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.
What complicates matters is that, while most people suffering from the mental disorder are aware that they have schizophrenia, Lloyd has a symptom called anosognosia which causes him to lack insight into his illness.
"This only adds to the struggle he faces," the 30-year-old's family said in a statement posted to Geek News Now.
Having anosognosia makes it difficult for Lloyd to seek professional help and treatment. It also leaves him vulnerable to act out in public.
If left untreated, schizophrenia may become severe and, although people with the disorder are not violent or dangerous, the delusional thoughts that come with schizophrenia may sometimes lead to violent behavior, according to Help Guide.
Lloyd demonstrated this in 2015 when he was involved in a high-speed police chase after running a red light. When the cops nabbed him, Lloyd resisted arrest and was admitted into a psychiatric facility. It later emerged that he had allegedly stopped taking his medication.
Making matters worse was when Lloyd's younger sister died two years later, at 26, in her sleep. After the "tragic loss" Lloyd moved closer to his family, who said they were all working hard to help him with his mental disorder.
"He is still a kind and caring person and we hope to have him back to his fun and entertaining self as soon as possible," the statement read. "Jake will continue to make progress with the love and support you continue to show."
Lloyd began his acting career at six but he retired in 2001, at just 12-years-old. At the time he said the stress of having to cope with dozens of interviews a day, as well as bullying at school, was at the root of his decision, according to the U.K.'s Express.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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