On Tuesday, December 9 from 7-9 p.m., author and psychologist Ari Tuckman will speak on “Medication for ADHD: From Myths and Controversy to Understanding and Informed Decisions.” The talk is at John Witherspoon Middle School, 217 Walnut Lane. Admission is free.

Medication is probably the best known treatment for ADHD, but it is also the most controversial. Mr. Tuckman will explore what it means to treat a psychological condition and specifically what it means to take medication that influences thinking. He will also discuss the effects of other treatments such as therapy, coaching, and organizing, etc., as well as how to use certain tools and strategies.

The presentation will first explore the psychology behind accepting a diagnosis. Like many of the psychiatric diagnoses, there is a stigma and lack of credibility associated with ADHD that is different from the more “medical” conditions, such as diabetes. Other topics will include the psychology of medication, what it means to take medication for a diagnosed condition, the common reasons why people start medication or choose not to, and the reasons why people continue or terminate treatment.

Because the most effective treatment programs for ADHD tend to be ones that integrate medication with other modalities, Mr. Tuckman will also explore the use of psychosocial interventions such as therapy, coaching, and organizing.

Mr. Tuckman has given more than 250 presentations and is the author of three books: Understand Your Brain, Get More Done: The ADHD Executive Functions Workbook; More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults With ADHD; and Integrative Treatment for Adult ADHD: A Practical, Easy-to-Use Guide for Clinicians. His “More Attention, Less Deficit” podcast has more than 100 episodes and has had over 1,750,000 downloads. He is a psychologist in private practice in West Chester, Pa. and is a board member of CHADD National.