Test of Variables of Attention

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

The T.O.V.A. test was developed in the 1960s by Dr. Lawrence Greenberg, Head of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota.

The first test used was a mechanical machine that could test response time. This test was named the VIRTEST (Test of Variability, Inattention, and 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 medication to try developing an adequate treatment plan. The most common medications used in the trial included Dextroamphetamine (a stimulant), Chlorpromazine (an anti-psychotic), Hydroxyzine (a minor tranquilizer), 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.

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