Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F50
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist, coordinating with a GP or pediatrician
- Format
- video consultations, individual and family psychotherapy online
- Duration
- first appointment 50–60 minutes; treatment usually lasts several months
- Confidentiality
- medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- When it is urgent
- fainting, irregular heartbeat, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- risk assessment, a treatment plan, regular eating and a healthier relationship with yourself
What you should know
In ICD-10, eating disorders are described under category F50; in ICD-11 they appear in the section “Feeding or eating disorders”, which, in addition to anorexia and bulimia, includes binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and other forms. These conditions occur in people of any gender and age, and their outward signs often go unnoticed for a long time by those around them and even by the person themselves.
Eating disorders are mental disorders with a high risk of physical complications, so care is provided by a team of specialists: a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, a general practitioner or pediatrician, and a dietitian. An online psychiatrist consultation in Aktau helps take the first step without feeling ashamed and provides an assessment and a treatment route. An important part of the first appointment is determining which tests need to be done in person and how urgently.
Possible Signs of an Eating Disorder
- constant thoughts about food, weight and body shape that get in the way of other things
- strict food restriction and cutting out entire food groups
- episodes of overeating with a sense of loss of control, followed by shame
- compensatory behavior: self-induced vomiting, exhausting workouts
- avoiding shared meals and secrecy around food
- self-esteem that depends almost entirely on how you see your body
- dizziness, weakness, menstrual irregularities and feeling cold all the time
If at least two points apply and the state lasts longer than two weeks, it is worth seeing a specialist. Phone consultation is free. If life is at risk, call 112 or 103.
What Contributes to Eating Disorders
Eating disorders develop through an interaction of biological, psychological and social factors. Research points to a hereditary predisposition and to differences in the neurobiological regulation of appetite and reward. Psychological factors include perfectionism, low self-esteem, difficulty regulating emotions, anxious traits and experiences of bullying related to appearance.
Social factors include cultural ideals of appearance, pressure in sports and professions with body requirements, and critical remarks within the family. The triggering event is often a diet, stress or a life transition. Eating disorders frequently occur together with depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. An eating disorder is not a choice or a whim — it requires professional treatment.
Online Help for Eating Disorders
At the first meeting, the psychiatrist gently asks about eating, thoughts about the body, compensatory behavior, mood and physical well-being, and assesses co-occurring disorders and risks. The conversation is free of judgment and does not focus on numbers. With the patient’s consent — and always for minors — loved ones are involved. An online psychiatrist consultation in Aktau is convenient because it allows regular sessions with a psychotherapist without travel and protects your privacy.
Physical health cannot be assessed online: this requires an in-person examination, blood tests, an ECG and monitoring by a GP or pediatrician. In case of fainting, an irregular heartbeat, severe weakness, refusal of food and water, or suicidal thoughts, call 103 or 112. In some cases treatment begins in hospital and only then continues on an outpatient and online basis.
How we help
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Enhanced CBT for eating disorders (CBT-E) is considered the method with the broadest evidence base for adults with bulimia and binge eating disorder and is also used for anorexia. Therapy helps restore regular eating, break the cycle of restriction and relapse, and address beliefs about the body and self-worth. When the patient is stable, video sessions are as effective as in-person ones.
Family therapy
For children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa, international guidelines recommend family-based treatment as the first choice. Parents take an active role in restoring nutrition, and the therapist supports the family at every stage. The online format allows all family members to take part, including those who are away.
Medical monitoring
Regular monitoring of physical health is an essential part of treatment: blood tests, an ECG, and checks of the cardiovascular system and electrolytes. These tests are carried out in person by a GP or pediatrician. The psychiatrist coordinates the plan and makes sure that changes in eating happen safely, especially at the start of recovery.
Treatment of co-occurring disorders
If depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder is present, the doctor assesses whether medication support is needed. Medications from certain groups, most often antidepressants, are used when indicated and with physical risks in mind. Prescribing and issuing prescriptions follow Kazakhstan law; medication complements psychotherapy but does not replace it.
Myths and facts
MythOnly thin girls get eating disorders
FactEating disorders occur in people of any gender, age and body type. Many forms, including bulimia and binge eating disorder, do not involve noticeable weight loss, and appearance does not reflect how severe the condition is.
MythYou just need to start eating normally
FactAn eating disorder is a mental disorder, and a decision to change your eating is usually not enough on its own. Work on thoughts, emotions and behavior is needed, as well as medical supervision, because restoring nutrition without monitoring can be unsafe.
MythIt’s just a way to get attention
FactPeople with eating disorders usually feel ashamed and try to hide their symptoms. The disorder is linked to attempts to cope with anxiety and emotions, not a desire for attention, and it calls for a compassionate approach.
How an online appointment works
- Message or callWrite on WhatsApp or call — our coordinator replies within minutes, day or night. You don't have to give your surname.
- Doctor and timeWe match you with a psychiatrist, addiction specialist or psychotherapist and agree on a time — often the same day.
- Video consultationA secure 50–60 minute video call: the doctor takes a detailed history and uses standardised scales if needed.
- Treatment planYou receive a clear summary, recommendations and a plan: what we do online and what needs an in-person visit or home call.
- Follow-upOnline follow-up sessions, messenger contact with your doctor, and treatment adjustments until you get a stable result.
Prices in Aktau
| Online psychiatrist consultation (50–60 min) | 15 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up online consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| One month of online psychiatric care | 60 000 ₸ |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
Psychiatry Online in Aktau: same-day video appointments and two branches for in-person visits — Building 36, Microdistrict 6, Aktau and Building 6, Microdistrict 17, Aktau. Our mobile team works around the clock: all city districts and nearby settlements. If you live elsewhere in Mangystau Region, starting online is usually easiest.
Confidential and private
Information about your visit, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We never share it with your employer, school or relatives without your consent; the only exceptions are those expressly set out by law. For an online consultation your first name is enough, video runs over a secure channel and nothing is recorded without your consent.
Questions and answers
Can eating disorders be treated entirely online?
Psychotherapy and psychiatric follow-up can be provided remotely, but monitoring physical health always requires in-person visits, blood tests and an ECG. When the physical risk is high, treatment starts in hospital and the online format is used in later stages.
How do I know it’s time to seek help?
Reasons to seek help include constant thoughts about food and your body that interfere with life, restriction or episodes of overeating, compensatory behavior, and changes in mood and well-being. An early consultation increases the chances of full recovery and shortens treatment.
Will my weight be discussed at the appointment?
The psychiatrist and psychotherapist focus the conversation on how you feel, your thoughts and your behavior, not on numbers. Objective medical measurements are assessed by a GP or pediatrician during an in-person examination, and this information is used to plan treatment safely.
What should parents do if they suspect an eating disorder in their child?
Talk calmly about the changes you have noticed without criticizing appearance or blaming, and take your child to a pediatrician for an examination and to a child psychiatrist. Parents in Aktau can get an initial online consultation to understand the next step.
How long does treatment take?
It varies from person to person: a course of CBT usually takes several months, family-based treatment for teenagers lasts six months or more, and recovery from a long-standing disorder may take longer. Regular sessions and follow-up after improvement are important.
Is confidentiality maintained?
All information is protected by medical confidentiality and is not shared with third parties without the patient’s consent, except in cases provided for by Kazakhstan law. Consultations at Psychiatry Online take place over a secure channel. For minors, legal guardians take part in decisions about treatment.
Where can I be seen in Aktau?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: Building 36, Microdistrict 6, Aktau and Building 6, Microdistrict 17, Aktau. Both are open 24/7; home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Psychiatry Online medical editorial team based on:
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and ICD-11, World Health Organization
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- NICE (UK) and APA (US) guidelines on the treatment of mental disorders
- WHO recommendations on telemedicine and digital health
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy