To describe and measure differences between ethnic groups on standard measures of mental health outcome.

Clinical staff in eight New Zealand Health Districts collected consumer outcomes data at the start, end and review of episodes of care. Consumers were allocated to one of three ethnicity groupings — Maori, Pacific Island and “All Other”.

There were large differences between the three ethnicity groupings on the measures. Maori and Pacific Island consumers appeared to demonstrate more psychotic phenomena and overall worse scores, and the All Other group, more depression. Changes in scores between start and end of episodes of care were proportionately similar across the three groups. Differences between ethnic groupings varied according to socio-economic deprivation level.

Potential reasons for some of the effects observed are discussed, including differing pathways to care, clinician and selection bias, and differing models of mental health.