ECT treatments lower than in other countries.

Three hundred and seven people received electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) last year, according to the Ministry of Health. The figure is equivalent to 7.5 people per 100,000 receiving ECT, significantly lower than the level recorded in many countries, according to the Ministry's annual report on the treatment. The report covers the period from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005. It shows that 69 percent of those receiving ECT were female; 85 percent were European; six percent were Maori; seven percent were Pacific; and two per cent were Asian; 79 percent were aged over 40; and 78 percent of treatments were given with the patients' consent.

The Ministry's Deputy Director of Mental Health Jeremy Skipworth said some patients were seriously unwell and had no capacity to make an informed decision. "District health boards have assured the Ministry that the Mental Health Act was not used to enforce treatment in any case where the patient retained decision making capacity," Skipworth said.

The regional variations in the number of ECT treatments could reflect differences among DHBs' populations, he said. ECT was more often the choice for the elderly, as prescribing medications was associated with more side effects in this population.