I noticed a difference in my brother a couple of years ago but did not think it was anything serious. He just didn't seem to be as aware as usual. I only see him a few times per year so I wasn't sure if I was imagining things or not? In the past year though, after being around him a little more,I am sure that there is something different about him and the rest of my family thinks so too.

He doesn't seem to be aware of reality. He seems to be caught in a loop. He repeats the same sentences over and over. He can stare into space for an hour, he isn't violent or extreme with his moods, but he doesn't seem to have much of a personality anymore. He doesn't have a job, is not in school, he is about 25 years old and was honorably discharged from the military a few years ago. He has gotten himself in some trouble with the police and now has a trial by jury coming up. But, he doesn't seem concerned, doesn't realize that he needs a lawyer, or help.

My family and myself do not know what to do, we don't know if there is something wrong with his mind, if he is on drugs?, if he has had a breakdown of some sort or what. When any of us try to talk to him and ask him if everything is ok, he seems to think things are fine. We do not know how to get him to see a doctor, or a psychiatrist, he is an adult, but we are all very worried about him.

If anyone has any type of advice or previous experience with this type of incident I would appreciate hearing your views. Thanks.

There are a number of reasons why your brother might be having these problem. It might be that he is diabetic or he he might have had heat stroke while in the military. But, the most likely cause for someone his age is the abuse of drugs.

If your family is concerned about his state of mind, I suggest that you write a letter to the judge presiding over the case and ask that your brother be medically evaluated. Possibly, before his trial.

Your brother may resent this "interference". But, sometimes you have to risk alienating a person in order to save them. Because your brother is a vetran, he is probably eligable for various V.A. treatment programs. Chances are, he won't do anything voluntarily.

Thank you Robert for your response. By having a medical evaluation, do you mean to see if he has some type of drug in his system? or do you mean a psychiatric evaluation?

I did call a VA hospital and he is eligible for their services, but he has to go in himself with his paperwork. Unless he is declared incompetent and my parents get a power of attorney over him, I don't think anyone can make him go to a doctor. Of course, I am not sure about that.

If you have any other insights please share them with me. Thank you.

my question is does he ever hear voices or see delussions because if he does he may have a mental illness , id would refer to him seeing a psychiatrist mental illnesses are a big thing in society today

Thank you for your reply. Well, things have escalated a bit since my last message. I feel like I have spoken to everyone and the answer is always the same, "unless he harms himself or someone else, nothing can be done, he is an adult." So, my brother is currently in jail, he was just in jail about two weeks ago for something else. He has about three or four different court cases that he has to go to. They are mainly for traffic violations but since he did not attend his court dates, he is in trouble.

Myself and our entire family have tried to talk with him, bluntly, saying that we are worried, we want to help, we think something is wrong, he is not making sense, we have a lawyer for him, we want him to go to a doctor, but, he insists that everything is under control. Besides getting him legally declared incompetent, what is there to do? Leave him in jail? Let the system take care of him? It is a very frustrating situation.......any help is appreciated.

The judge who is presiding over the case can order that your brother receive a complete physical and mental evaluation against his will if need be. Your brother would be transfered to a psychiatric ward for evaluation but, would also receive a physical examination.

To me, it sounds like he needs to have a neurologic examination where they use a CAT scan and an MRI to look at his brain.

I believe that communication with the judge is the key. You don't have to worry right now about power of attorney as long as your brother is in the prison system. I suggest that you right the judge a letter explaining to him what you think could be the problem. Try to support your statement as much as possible. Look through the internet for articles about veterans with damage to their brain. Talk to groups that support vets. Sometimes, they will tell you where to get information. They might even testify on your brothers behalf. The most important thing is that you ask the judge to transfer your brother to the V.A. psychiatric ward for mental and physical evaluation to see if he is competant.

If your brother doesn't have many tangible possesions, he could later be turned over to the V.A. for long term care. If your family can stay away from being his power of attorney, you will save yourself allot of grief. No matter how much you care, know when to let go.