Thus, preliminary evidence indicates that, like individuals with a first-degree affected relative, children presenting antecedents of schizophrenia display neurocognitive impairment. It is not known, however, whether these impairments tap corresponding domains of similar severity, nor whether these impairments represent difficulties in specific cognitive domains or a general cognitive deficit represented by lower than average IQ. Further, among those whoare at risk by virtue of family history, the severity and breadth of impairments vary by closeness of the affected relatives but could differ by age. These differences, if confirmed, may index differences
in specific aetiological factors.