The importance of early recognition and treatment of the first psychotic episode is well documented in literature. This study aims to describe and analyze the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of a sample of patients admitted in a psychiatric ward for their first psychotic episode.

Data from 48 patients was retrospectively analyzed using a specific clinical protocol. Inclusion criteria were admission with a first psychotic episode during January 2003 to June 2005. Patients with primary affective and organic disorder were excluded. ACESS was used for statistic analysis.

Patients were aged 19-56, mainly of the masculine gender (77%), single (68%), living with own family (89%), and receiving any kind of social support (13%).

Main diagnoses were Schizophrenia (54%); Persistent Delusional Disorders (17%); Acute and Transitory Psychotic Disorders (29%).

Age of onset was 28 years (median) for males and 36 years for females. Onset was

insidious for 44% of the patients and the Time Disease Untreated (TDU) mean-2,2 month; median 18,8 month, witch is similar with literature data. Ten percent were involuntarily admitted and 84% were taking oral atypical antipsychotic with total compliance for 33% and partial for 25% of patients.

Only 23% of the patients or their families were attending therapeutic groups.

The results of our study in part agree with the data from the literature on the other hand they reflect the characteristics of our healthcare system and population, and can provide ways to improve care.