Objective: Although impaired general intellectual ability is a prevalent feature in schizophrenia, patterns suggesting preserved, deteriorated, and premorbidly impaired intellect have also been identified. The main purpose of this investigation was to examine the clinical, cognitive, and neuroanatomical characteristics of these intellectual subtypes, and to establish the value and validity of this approach for reducing the heterogeneity of schizophrenia. Methods: A total of 71 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 66 healthy controls were assessed. A 'preserved' performance pattern (n=29) was defined by average-range estimated premorbid and current IQ with no evidence of decline (premorbid-current IQ difference <10 points). A 'deteriorated' pattern (n=14) was defined by a difference between estimated premorbid and current IQ estimates of 10 points or more. A 'premorbidly impaired' pattern (n=14) was defined by below average estimated premorbid and current IQ and no evidence of decline greater than 10 points. The groups were compared on demographic,