An analysis of Medicare data for the 1985-86 financial year showed that the distribution of private psychiatric services varied greatly by age and sex. Females were greater users than males, except in childhood where the opposite was true. Service use was lowest for children and for the elderly and highest for the 35-44 year old group. Amongst patients receiving psychiatric services, elderly people were more likely to receive short consultations and ECT. These findings carry considerable implications for health service policy and for medical education.