ADHD Testing
Integrated Visual and Auditory (IVA) Continuous Performance Test
The Integrated Visual and Auditory (I.V.A.) continuous performance test (CPT) is
a screening tool used in conjunction with other diagnostic procedures (parent
and teacher behaviour rating scales, QEEG, T.O.V.A.) to assist in the screening
of individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Developed by
John Sandford (psychologist) and Anne Turner (physician). It was designed to
discriminate ADHD populations from individuals with Conduct Disorder and
without behaviour problems and is based on the research of Chee (1989) and
Connors (1994). It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of
neurofeedback training or medication.
Features of the I.V.A
Like all CPT's the I.V.A. is designed to be mildly boring and demanding of sustained attention producing errors of inattention (omission) and impulsivity (commission) However, unlike other CPT’s the I.V.A has some useful features which are listed below.
The I.V.A. is a 13 minute computerised test which combines two types of
CPTs for both visual and auditory modalities. By combining impulsivity and inattention in a counter-balanced design and presenting each in the auditory
and visual mode, the I.V.A. incorporates
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Since the "1"s and "2" are presented in a pseudo-random combination of
visual and auditory stimuli, it is more demanding than other CPTs as it
challenges an individual’s ability to change cognitive sets.
2
Administration of the test is automated to standardise the presentation of
auditory and visual stimuli. The computer "speaks" all test instructions in
order to minimise test variability.
3
The test task is very simple and requires the person to click the mouse only
when he hears or sees the target (in this case the number "1") and not to
click when he sees or hears the non-target (foil) item (in this case the
number "2")
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The test contains two conditions in two modalities for a total of 200 trials.
The first block of 100 trials consists of 50 trials in the auditory modality and
50 trials in the visual modality. This is a measure of impulsivity utilising a
ratio of targets to non-targets of 5.25:1; the second block of 100 consists of
50 trials in the auditory modality and 50 in the visual modality.
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By using a mouse click as a means of response, the I.V.A. provides an
objective means of fine motor hyperactivity by measuring a variety of
inappropriate mou
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The I.V.A. provides six global composite quotient scores and 22 raw scales
to help gain an in-depth understanding of the variety of ways in which
ADHD-type problems may manifest.
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An extensive normative database (n=1700 normals, ages 5 – 90 +) takes
into account age and gender differences.
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Tset-Retest Analysis allows for comparison between any two tests to
evaluate the significance of any changes resulting from neurofeedback
training or medication.
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