One study compared 661 children ages 5-12 years in 5 cohorts over 10 years of which 510 (77%) were admitted for aggressive behavior PRN medication use including sedatives and antipsychotics was significantly less when a behavior modification program was used vs verbal de-escalation. PRNs (As needed medications) were used 163 times with a behavior plan compared to 483 times without one per 1,000 patient-days. Seclusion and physical restraint were also reduced, used 17 times with a behavior plan vs 65 times without one per 1,000 patient-days.
It's a shame that in NY board certified behavior analysts are restricted to autism.
"Behavior Modification Is Associated With Reduced Psychotropic Medication Use in Children With Aggression in Inpatient Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort Study"