MECHANICS OF THE TOVA TEST

The TOVA can be likened to a simple, yet boring, computer game that measures the test taker’s attention and inhibitory control. There are two versions of the TOVA test: one uses visual stimuli and the other auditory. The subject taking the test responds as quickly and as accurately as they can with a small handheld microswitch, i.e. accurate to ±1 millisecond. For the visual test, you watch the screen as a white box flashes either above or below a dot centered on the screen, pressing the handheld switch only when the box flashes above the center/dot. For the auditory test, you listen as the test plays either a high tone or a low tone on speakers, pressing the switch only when you hear the high tone.

LENGTH OF TOVA TESTS

The visual and auditory tests are each about 22 minutes, but there are other elements that contribute to the overall time spent taking the tests. The administrator will prompt you to watch a short instructional video, about 5 minutes, and then take a practice test which is 2 minutes. You’ll probably do this for both tests, although they may sometimes curtail the auditory instruction video since it’s mostly repetitive. They might also curtail the practice tests. Overall, you’ll probably be there from 60-90 minutes depending upon the chattiness of the administrator/observer and whether you take a rest between taking the visual and auditory tests. Note: subjects between the ages of 4 and 5.5 are administered a shorter 11-minute visual TOVA test.

TEST INSTRUCTIONS (VISUAL)

Prior to taking the test, the administrator will show you a short 2-minute instruction video and have you take a short 2-minute practice test. The instructions for the visual test are embedded here:

REPORT GENERATION

The TOVA tests calculate and record 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 generate the reports, one each for the visual and auditory tests.

GETTING THE TOVA TEST REPORTS

Each TOVA testing location will have their own processes for sharing the reports with you. Some might print copies, others might email them. Most will probably have a clinician review the reports first before sharing/sending them to you or reviewing them with you. If you’re testing with your own mental health provider or office, they will likely inform you that your provider will share and review the results with you during your next session or will call you to review the results. Note: when printing, remember to use color as the data and charts use color.

While the reports are fairly easy-to-read, they are intended for mental health professionals as additional input in their evaluation and assessment of your clinical condition.

The reports do not tell you definitively if you have ADHD or not. They only indicate how your measures compared to normative studies of individuals who are and aren’t diagnosed with ADHD.