TOVA Test Tomorrow

After a couple weeks of self tests, checklists, psychotherapy and family history type studies I'm finally going in for the TOVA tomorrow. I'm honestly a little worried that since I spend so much time staring at a screen every day I may actually do pretty well with the test. My problems with ADHD symptoms are more like in real life tasks, like shopping, remembering to do stuff while I'm actively doing other stuff, taking notice of things, multitasking, keeping track of what time it is, prioritizing tasks, or noticing anything while i'm deeply interested in something on the smartphone etc. Oh well, I intend to give an honest effort in the test. No fun and games....

On the other hand, while I have failed tests before, I've never actually wanted to fail. This time I feel like trying too hard could give a false negative diagnosis ... but then again, 20 something minutes of this test with the description I've read and I will probably be checking out without even knowing it.

Has anyone had experience with the TOVA? So far all I can say is, maybe it'd be better if they had not told me I was going to take a TOVA test so I'd just show up and have to deal with whatever it is and not worry about it.

So far evidently no one has, but that doesn't mean that someone won't respond before too long. My general thought, however, is that it's best to do the best you can on any test--i.e., trying not to "fail." At least the examiner will be better able to figure out where any deficiencies lie, and your treatment will be more appropriately addressed. If you do acceptably well, then make sure to point out where you think you are having problems and those could be addressed.

How did it turn out?

My psych called me in the morning to talk about something else and I told him about the test, so he cooled my nerves a bit. The test was tricky. I felt like I was on top of it... not missing any of the signals except maybe a few because the screen flashes them up pretty quick, but my response time wasn't always so good or consistent, and MAN is it a long, boring test!!! I didn't have much time to wait around other than to briefly chat with the neurologist, but I hope to get the full report in the next couple days so I can see how my perceived OK is not so OK.

Any case, after reviewing his notes on me and the results of the TOVA my neurologist called me the "poster child" for ADHD and has put me on Vyvanse starting in the morning. So tomorrow is a new day for me!

Congrats! Moving in the right direction it sounds like

Well, at least your diagnosis is confirmed. I encourage you to read some of the many books on the subject. I especially like one written by a doctor, who has it but is very successful, and he gives ideas about how to work with it. (I'll have to look it up to remember the name and title).

Well the short story so far is as to be expected in life nothing changes overnight, and my start dose of 30mg of Vyvanse is a ways from the 50 to come after a few more days. I am keeping track of issues I face and have become definitely more aware, productive and self critical... Just gotta learn to catch issues and self correct. It's "just" going to be a lot of work and won't be an overnight phenomenon.

I plan to read up a bunch in the coming weeks and thank you guys for your support!

You're welcome. Keep in touch and let us know how things are going.