ADD/ADHD Testing

The T.O.V.A. is a state-of-the-art continuous performance test, which can be used to objectively assess visual and/or auditory attention problems in both children and adults. It also provides objective information about degrees of impulsivity. When combined with other clinical assessments, the T.O.V.A. can be used to very accurately diagnose ADD/ADHD. The T.O.V.A. test can also be used to assess attention deficits in people suffering from mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and post concussive syndrome. (PCS).

The test resembles a computer game and takes approximately 21 minutes to administer each version. (Both visual and/or auditory versions are available). When completed, the patient’s score is compared to “norms” for their age and gender to determine if their measures of attention and impulsivity fall within normal limits. A clinical report can then be generated in addition to a customized intervention report for school or home. In addition to serving as a diagnostic tool, the T.O.V.A. can also be used to accurately monitor treatment response and effectiveness over time. For example, studies have shown that while higher medication doses may improve behavior, they can actually make attention worse! Lower doses are more likely to improve attention, but don’t affect behavior as well. Unfortunately, one of the biggest problems with medical treatment of ADD/ADHD is that many patients are only monitored with behavior rating“check-lists” or questionnaires that tend to focus on behavior problems, rather than actually measuring attention, (which is frequently the cause of the behavior problem in the first place). In addition, only half of children with ADD and few adults are hyperactive; which means the correct diagnosis is likely to be missed if only behavior “check-lists” are used for assessment.

While there are several other types of computer-based tests used for diagnosing ADD/ADHD and impulsivity, the T.O.V.A. is clearly the best for the following reasons:

• No language bias.
• Highly accurate (+/- 1 ms.) with excellent reliability.
• Measures visual and auditory attention.
• Most extensive base of “norms” for age and gender.