Hi SJBENNE,

I'm so sorry you are going through this with your brother. I know how hard it is to watch someone you love self-destruct.

Does your brother have a childhood history of behaving this way? He obviously needs diagnosis, but I don't know how you get someone to do that who doesn't want help. Not wanting help or not thinking he needs it is part of his disorder. If he is, indeed, sociopathic, he probably has no remorse. And, I wouldn't necessarily blame it on lack of discipline. Consequences also have little to no impact on the behavior of these individuals.

But, it may NOT be sociopathy, or it may be a combination of conditions and there may be treatments for some that can get help get him on track.

Regardless, you MUST take care of yourself and family first. NEVER tolerate violence. Yes, call the police. If he is suicidal, get him in for a mandatory 72-hr evaluation. Heck, that may be the only way for him to seriously consider that he may need help.

Please know that you are being a very good sister to him by trying to find ways to help. Certainly, letting him hurt you and your entire family repeatedly, does not help him. I am curious about his age.

This is just MHO. I wish you well - this is a toughie.