The 15 min TOVA ADHD Computer Test


The medical field has spent decades attempting to define ADHD and determine how to best diagnose it. Dr. Neal has invested over thirty years answering the question “What is ADHD?” and researching how to measure the signs of ADHD in kids and adults. His ADHD assessment includes a comprehensive intake of rating scales, extensive history, and the TOVA ADHD computer test.

The Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.®)

An FDA-cleared, computerized, and objective measure of attention and inhibitory control normed by gender for ages 4 to 80+.

ABOUT THE T.O.V.A.

BoyWithMicroswitch.jpegThe T.O.V.A. provides healthcare professionals with objective measurements of attention and inhibitory control. 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 auditory T.O.V.A. aids in the assessment of attention deficits, including ADHD. T.O.V.A. results should only be interpreted by qualified professionals.

The T.O.V.A. is a culture- and language-free, sufficiently long computerized test that requires no left/right discrimination or sequencing. 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), 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.

The T.O.V.A. provides information that is not available through self-report or the report of others. It is used along with a clinical interview and subjective measures (such as behavior ratings) for a more comprehensive picture of academic, social, and personal performance and impairment. T.O.V.A. results should only be interpreted by qualified healthcare professionals.

WHY T.O.V.A.?

what-is-the-test-of-variables-of-attention-tova.jpegUnfortunately 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. 

The T.O.V.A. USB device and microswitch (with photodiode) ensure accuracy of timing measures and comparison to normative and sub-group samples. This uncompromising approach to timing ensures accurate results.

We use the TOVA ADHD test because the information it gives is essential for determining between an ADHD diagnosis and another issue that may be mimicking ADHD. 

For the person considering medication or supplements to manage their ADHD symptoms, it is vital we have a baseline of the person’s performance off medication or supplements, so that we can accurately assess the level of their medication or supplements dosage. 

The TOVA ADHD test helps us ensure a person is not under or over medicated, or using too much or little of a particular supplement.

What should you expect when you take the test?

You will take the test at our office. You will sit for approx 15 minutes and play a simple video game task. The task measures your ability to sustain your attention and measure impulsiveness. 

The results are used to create a report that compares your results with data from other people of the same sex and age. This way you can see how you respond when you concentrate on a task compared with people who do not have ADHD.

“Although my doctor suspected symptoms of ADD, I was never diagnosed. For me, the TOVA Test was a really big eye opener because now there wasn’t just someone looking at me and noticing my struggles, there was a scientific foundation to it. I finally felt like someone was listening to me, and it was amazing to be able to show people I wasn’t making it all up.”

- TOVA test client

TOVA Final Thoughts

tova-8-mac.jpegContrary to the prevailing thought, most people with ADHD are actually under-dosed. Being on the optimal dosage can bring peace, order, and success much sooner than waiting weeks to see if your medication is working. Many psychiatrists only make a medication change every 4–6 weeks. Our TOVA computer test provides instant information so we can make a recommendation to your medical prescriber or adjust your supplements.

The test is a necessary part of our assessment and diagnosis for ADHD. It will objectively determine a person’s ability to focus and concentrate. It gives a measurement every 30 seconds of how well you are attending; if you have ADHD, then your brain is struggling to self regulate, which can sometimes create impulsiveness and will always create a significant distraction, which impairs our ability to focus and concentrate.

Do you know if your supplement or meds are giving you all the benefit you can get? Could you have even better focus or better working memory if your dosage was increased? Perhaps a different supplement or medication would help you even more? We want to ensure your treatment is working optimally. We never want a person overdosed and we never want a person under-dosed.

The first time you take the test you are not on any supplement or medication for attention. This is called a baseline test. We want to have a baseline test which aids in our assessment and diagnosis of ADHD. If you decide to use a supplement or medication, we will re-test while you are taking it and then we can compare the difference between the two tests and determine if you are receiving optimal benefit from what you are taking.

Yes, we would recommend you test after going on a new dosage increase. We follow the same protocol as with the first supplement or dosage you take. We do not, however, test every time a person raises the dosage level; we wait until there are significant benefits, and then we re-test. We never want to waste time and money on testing.

This specific computer test is still relatively new and is still being introduced to different parts of the United States. It has been out for several years and used overseas for many years.

We work very closely with the doctors we refer to. Per your request, your doctor gets a copy of your test and we explain the results of the test. Dr. Neal also communicates the results directly with your doctor and gives his recommendation regarding medications. Dr. Neal is not a medication prescriber. He can only give a recommendation based on his experience of working with clients who take medications. The final decision will always be between you and your medical prescriber. You would work directly with Dr. Neal if you are going to use supplements.

We have always found that the doctors we refer to appreciate the information this test gives. They have found that the test results help them in knowing from an objective standpoint if they need to increase your medication dosage or change medications because your current medication is not optimally beneficial.

There are other computer tests used in the assessment of ADHD. If you have already taken this same test, we would not retest for diagnosis. Sometimes even when a person has already taken a computer test we will still need to have them take the TOVA ADHD test because it gives the type of information we need in determining whether the medication or supplement they are taking is the correct dosage or even the right one at all.

Yes, the results are extremely helpful. The test helps to measure a child’s impairment with executive functions (focus and concentration) and/or self-regulation (behavioral and emotional impulsiveness and hyperactivity).

Medications and supplements can be costly. Losing time in the classroom or at work is costly. The TOVA ADHD test can bring enormous savings if you can determine you have ADHD and can ensure you are on the correct supplement or medication and dosage.

Most of the time your insurance company will cover this test. But remember that you may have a deductible that needs to be met first, or a coinsurance payment.

Are you ready to take the next step?

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