[Pathway to care of people with first episode of schizophrenia, in Chile].

Background: It has been considered that the duration of first episode of psychosis is a critical period influencing the clini-cal and psychosocial evolution in people with diagnosis of schizophrenia. However, there is little knowledge about this issue in Low and Middle Income Countries.

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and contacts with health services of people with first episode of schizophrenia, prior to their diagnoses and initiation of treatment.