Computerised Test for Assessing and Monitoring ADHD Treatment

The Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.) is a computerised Continuous Performance Test that measures the key components of attention and inhibitory control. It aids in the assessment of, and evaluation of treatment for attention deficits, including Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The test results are available for children and adults (ages 4 - 80+).

The test provides information that is not available through self-reporting or the reporting of others and it's used along with a clinical interview and subjective measures (such as behaviour ratings) for a more comprehensive picture of academic, social and personal performance.

The T.O.V.A. is a culture and language-free, sufficiently long computerised test presented as a simple computer game that requires no left/right discrimination or sequencing. Responses to visual or auditory stimuli are recorded with a unique, highly accurate (±1 ms) microswitch.

Historically, Continuous Performance Tests have focused on the error rates (false positives [commission errors] and false negatives [omission errors]) to their stimuli. While response time is often measured, it's de-emphasized because of the inaccuracy of the measurement. The T.O.V.A. accurately and precisely measures all of the significant variables of both auditory and visual information processing, including response time and response time variability, allowing the clinician to see the full picture of CPT response.

These measurements are then compared to a large age- and gender-matched normative sample, as well as to a sample population of individuals independently diagnosed with ADHD. These comparison results are used to create an immediately available, easy-to-read report.