The Test of Variables of Attention T.O.V.A.
Compassionate Psychiatric Services is excited to offer one of the best objective tests for ADHD. Since ADHD diagnosis involves the use of a special class of medications called, Psychostimulants, we take extra care to get an objective test to confirm the diagnosis of ADHD.
Psychostimulants have a lot of benefits and risks involved with their usage. Hence an appropriate diagnosis of ADHD is very important before its use. The T.O.V.A. is used by qualified healthcare professionals as an aid in the assessment of attention deficits, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in children and adults.
The T.O.V.A. is the most widely used objective measure of attention in the world and is considered the "Gold Standard" among measures of its type. T.O.V.A. is an objective, accurate, and FDA-cleared continuous performance test (CPT) that measures the key components of attention and inhibitory control. TOVA is a neuropsychological assessment that measures a person's attention while screening for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Generally, the test is 21.6 minutes long and is presented as a simple, yet boring, computer game. The test is used to measure a number of variables involving the test takers' response to either a visual or auditory stimulus.
The visual T.O.V.A. aids in the assessment of and evaluation of treatment for, attention deficits, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The T.O.V.A. is a culture- and language-free, sufficiently long computerized test. Responses to visual or auditory stimuli are recorded with a unique, highly accurate (±1 ms) microswitch. The T.O.V.A. calculates response time variability (consistency), the response time (speed), commissions (impulsivity), and omissions (focus and vigilance). These calculations 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.
Unfortunately for test makers, computers share one of the most common traits seen in ADHD: inconsistency of performance. The TOVA Company designs and builds hardware and software that addresses this problem, enabling your computer to measure with millisecond accuracy.
TOVA test is not covered by most health insurance. We charge a flat fee for its administration.
For Details:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) on TOVA Testing
1. What is TOVA Testing?
TOVA is a testing tool to help objectively diagnose Attention-Deficit/Hyper-activity Disorder. TOVA stands for Test of Variable Attention. The TOVA Test is a tool that provides healthcare professionals with objective measurements of attention and inhibitory control. In other words, it helps professionals to measure a patient’s attention and ability to control. It calculates response time and speed, commission, and omission. These factors allow us to see the patient's impulsivity, consistency, focus, vigilance, and attention.
2. Who can the TOVA test be used for?
TOVA testing can be used for ages 4 and up.
3. What does the TOVA test entail?
The TOVA test is a 21.6-minute test that looks a lot like a video game. Patients will respond to stimuli using a button. TOVA comprises auditory and visual components. Each component is administered individually.
4. How Reliable is the TOVA test?
The T.O.V.A. has been shown to accurately identify 87% of individuals without ADHD, 84% of non-hyperactive ADHD, and 90% of the hyperactive ADHD, but should never be used solely as a diagnostic tool for those testing for attention deficit disorders or with a traumatic brain injury.
5. Where can I get more information if the TOVA test is right for me or my child?
If you feel you or a loved one may benefit from an objective test for symptoms of ADHD,
Please call Compassionate Psychiatric Services at 469-200-4093 to learn more about scheduling an assessment. Our staff is specialized and trained to assess, diagnose, and treat symptoms of ADHD.
7. Do you know which significant cities Compassionate Psychiatric Services offer its mental health services to?
Compassionate Psychiatric Services range from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, trauma, eating disorders to numerous other mental health conditions and are offered to all our patients in the following city locations:: Dallas, The Colony, Richardson, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Prosper, Irving and Arlington.
