Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A) - computerised continuous performance test

The programme we offer begins with an Assessment Check which consists of an interview, forms to fill in and discussion of the any medical records and in the case of students, school and/or college reports.

A time is arranged between 9am – 12.30 partake of a continuous performance test using T.O.V.A ( Test of variables of attention). This takes 26 minutes.  This test is simple to administer.   T.O.V.A resembles a computer game. When the correct target appears or is sounded, the subject presses the specially designed micro-switch and responses are recorded.

A seven page Report is generated and discussed. Based on the interview, check lists and results of TOVA test, a program is then formulated and times arranged for Training.  This Report can also include a School or Home Intervention suggestions for the individual client.

Attention disorders, occurring in 5% of children and 3% of adults, are usually diagnosed only in children who are referred because of hyperactivity. Yet only half of children and few adults with attention disorders are hyperactive. This is where T.O.V.A is invaluable as it analyses the data to show even the slightest problem with attention as well as indicating when symptoms of ADHD may be present and Increases Diagnostic Accuracy

The T.O.V.A. promotes data based clinical decision making with its objective information about attention and impulsivity - information that clinicians do not obtain from behavior ratings and history Alone, the T.O.V.A. correctly identifies over 86% of ADHD cases and the “hit” rate improves with the addition of other clinical information. However, as is true with all tests, the T.O.V.A. does not make a diagnosis - only a clinician does.

Facilitates Case Management and Planning.  The T.O.V.A. provides cost-effective monitoring of treatment over time with yearly retesting to insure continued optimal treatment results and to determine when treatment is no longer necessary. The School Intervention Report, which is easily edited, personalized and individualized, facilitates communications with the school, saving valuable professional time. And it is an asset when treating substance abuse, including nicotine dependence, recognizing that over 70% of chemical dependency treatment failures and many treatment resistant nicotine dependent cases have underlying, undiagnosed and untreated ADHD.

Increases Patient and Family Satisfaction.  By providing objective, “state of the art” techniques that patients want and graphic presentations of results that are easily understood by patients and family, promoting understanding and compliance with treatment.

A secondary TOVA test is offered during or at the end of a training period as a graphic result of progress by the client.

Features include:

• Highly accurate (± 1ms) electronic micro-switch
• Extensive year by years norming base 4-99 (Auditory TOVA ages 6-19)
• Non language stimuli (to differentiate attention from learning disorders)
• Non sequential design (a simple cognitive task)
• Excellent test-retest reliability
• Vigilance and dis-inhibition subtests (11 minutes each)
• Measures include: omissions (inattention), commissions(impulsivity/dis-inhibition), response time, variability, anticipatory responses (validity) and signal detection indice.
• Very sensitive to treatment effects:  used as a measure of medication effectiveness to help determine optimal dosage, monitor treatment overtime, and guide and monitor other treatments.
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