Diva & Tova Assessments

MyMind Psychology

At MyMind Psychology we utilize the DIVA 2.0 as initial assessment tool to establish if a person suffers from adult ADD or ADHD. The DIVA 2.0 is a structured Diagnostic Interview for Adult ADHD in second edition.

The DIVA was first developed in Dutch by J.J.S. Kooij, MD PhD, psychiatrist, and M.H. Francken, MSc, psychologist in 2007. Since October 2010 a slightly adjusted version with an improved introduction of the DIVA is available (DIVA 2.0). The DIVA was developed because there is a need for a structured diagnostic instrument in the field that is easily available at low costs, in many different languages, for research and clinical assessment purposes.

The DIVA investigates the DSM-IV criteria of ADHD in childhood and adulthood, as well as impairment in five areas of functioning in both life periods. In order to facilitate understanding of the criteria in daily life in both childhood and adulthood, every DSM-IV criterion is accompanied by several examples that can be probed. The same is true for the five areas of impairment: education, work, social relationships, social activities/leisure time, partner/family relationships and self-esteem.

After the structured clinical interview the responses will be analysed by a clinical psychologist and further investigation will take place utilizing the Test Of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.)

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.

With the above information at hand the clinician is able to formulate and diagnose the condition, instigate a referral to a dedicated ADHD psychiatrist, generate a treatment plan or to answer the referral question. For treatment options available at our practice please refer to our Web site.