Basically, Art, if he's making s**t up because he's too lazy to do stuff that is really terrible, manipulative behaviour. (Also extremely childish... Like, four year old level?)

If he's really suffering, whether it's 'all in his head' or not, then he deserves your sympathy and your help, even if it's hard sometimes. He does need to do his best to help himself, though, and if doctors can't do anything for him, perhaps he needs anxiety meds or therapy?

I guess only you can surmise which of those things it is.