He's melting down less, but when he does melt down, it's more severe. Possibly because he's so disappointed in and surprised by his own bad behavior, when he was hoping he had it under control. BTDT.
Definite possibility! He even describes one reason for not being able to stop the meltdown this way: "Once I start having a meltdown, I get so mad at myself, and then I start crying and yelling because I'm so frustrated at myself for doing it again."
If you keep collecting information you may be able to get a grip on the pattern and figure out what he's really going through and how to change the pattern.
We know the triggers are frustration with himself (perfectionism) and inability to tolerate even the smallest infraction from another kid, often perceiving an injustice when it wasn't intended. However, we have been unable to find a pattern to when he's going to have a bad day or a good day. There is no pattern. Some days he handles those things well, and other days, he's a complete mess.
Yeah, we were not thrilled with medicating a little kid either. For us it came down to relieving suffering, and I'm a little shocked to say that I have not regretted doing so even for a minute.
I completely understand what you are saying, and that just might be what puts us over the edge. I can't stand seeing him struggle so much emotionally. It is literally breaking my heart. I might be a race to see which one of us starts taking an antidepressant first!
