Test of Variables of Attention


The Test of Variables of Attention 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. These measurements are then compared to the measurements of a group of people without attention disorders who took the T.O.V.A. This test should be used along with a battery of neuropsychological tests, such as a detailed history, subjective questionnaires, interviews, and symptom checklists before a diagnosis should be concluded.
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.

History

The T.O.V.A. was developed in the 1960s by Dr. Lawrence Greenberg, Head of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota.
The first modality used diagnostically was the Test of Variability, Inattention, and Response Time, a mechanical machine that measured response time. During the VIRTEST, a child would press a response button when a target was presented versus the non-target.
After individuals were diagnosed with ADHD from using the VIRTEST, Dr. Greenberg began experimentation with different medications to try developing an adequate treatment plan. The most common medications used in the trial included dextroamphetamine, chlorpromazine, hydroxyzine, and a placebo. Upon the findings of this study Dr. Greenberg decided that using behavioral ratings, or the VIRTEST, alone was too subjective and that the ratings themselves would be influenced by the testing environment, the raters bias, and external variables.
With the advance of computers, the T.O.V.A. was made commercially available in 1991.

Testing

For individuals between the ages of 4–5, the T.O.V.A test is 10.9 minutes long, while for older individuals the test lasts 21.6 minutes. The test may be presented as either a Visual or Auditory test, but both measure the same variables. During the first section of the test, the objective is to measure attention during a boring task. For adults, this section is 10.8 minutes long and the non-target is presented 3.5 times for every 1 time a target is presented. The second section of the test is a measure of attention while attending to a stimulating task. This section is also 10.8 minutes long and the target is presented 3.5 times for every 1 time a non-target is presented.
ADHD has three subtypes: Inattentive, hyperactive, or combined. The T.O.V.A test can test for each of these subtypes of ADHD. When the subject responds to a "non-target" it is noted as an error of commission, or impulsive. During the second half of the test, the inability for the subject to inhibit themselves is measured. If the subject responds too frequently, they may be diagnosed with the hyperactivity type. If the subject displays both types of errors, they may be diagnosed with the combined type of ADHD.
The visual T.O.V.A. uses two simple geometric figures and involves clicking the microswitch when the person taking the test sees the target figure and not clicking when it's the non-target figure. The visual T.O.V.A. may be presented in several different ways, but the most common test displays the target as a square with a second but smaller square inside of it near the upper border. The non-target is a square with the smaller square near the lower border.
The auditory test is the same process. The test taker clicks when they hear the target, which is presented as a single tone, usually "G" above "Middle C". The test taker should inhibit their response when the non-target is presented, which is usually the tone of "Middle C".
The test is monochromatic, non-sequential, language and culturally independent. It is presented in both clinical and screening versions. The clinical version is used by health professionals and assistants. The screening version has no diagnostic terms and is used by school-based professionals.

Scoring/Measurements

The T.O.V.A. measures a set of different variables to determine whether or not response times and attention is at the normal range for the sex and age of the test taker. Over 2000 people without attention problems were measured to determine what is a normal response time for the sex and age of the test taker as a basis for the interpretation provided.

Strengths

One of the major strengths of the TOVA test is the use of a microswitch to record response time. The microswitch can obtain very accurate response times, as the time measurement error is only ±1 ms. Other tools, such as computer keyboards/mice, can have an error rate of ±28 ms. Five out of the eight determining factors used to assess whether an individual has ADHD are time based. Therefore, any delay can severely affect the scoring, or whether the patient receives an accurate diagnosis.
The TOVA can also correctly predict 87% of individuals without ADHD, 84% of non-hyperactive ADHD, and 90% of the hyperactive ADHD. These results make it one of the many effective tools which should be used when making a diagnosis.
The TOVA is also relatively cheap to administer. Physicians may give the test to patients, but assistants and trained individuals can administer the test as well. This cuts the cost by making it possible to take the test without having to visit a doctor.

Weaknesses

Although the TOVA test is quite accurate, it does not provide clear enough data to make a diagnosis alone. Because of this, a battery of tools should be used before diagnosing a patient with ADHD. Common tools used along with the TOVA include personal interviews, discussing in detail a complete family history, questionnaires, and counseling sessions. This can be viewed as a long and tedious process to complete, especially for someone with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.