Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F90.0
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist, with a CBT psychotherapist when needed
- Format
- video consultations, online questionnaires, sessions with loved ones if you wish
- Duration
- assessment takes 1–3 sessions, followed by regular follow-up
- Confidentiality
- consultation without a surname is possible; medical confidentiality applies
- When it’s urgent
- thoughts of self-harm, severe depression — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- a clear diagnosis, an understandable treatment plan, and strategies that work
What you should know
People usually come after years of self-criticism: “I’m lazy,” “I’m always late,” “I start ten things and never finish any of them.” Sometimes the trigger is an article or video in which they recognized themselves. The path to a doctor is simple: you message us on WhatsApp, choose a time — during your lunch break or in the evening — receive a link, and join the video call. For someone with ADHD this matters: fewer steps mean a greater chance that the consultation actually happens.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults involves a detailed conversation about how you live now and what things were like in childhood. The doctor asks about school, work, relationships, and habits, and uses standardized questionnaires for adults. It often helps to involve a loved one who remembers you as a child or to show old school reports. It is important to rule out anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, and thyroid disorders, since they can look similar.
Signs of ADHD in Adults
- it is hard to concentrate on boring tasks; your attention keeps slipping away
- chronic lateness, missed deadlines, forgotten appointments and payments
- you start many projects but rarely see them through to the end
- impulsive decisions — purchases, quitting jobs, harsh words in conversation
- inner restlessness; it is hard to sit through a long meeting or a traffic jam
- clutter at home and on your desk despite sincere efforts to keep things tidy
- similar difficulties existed at school but were put down to laziness or character
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 Causes ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it is linked to the way the brain develops. Heredity plays the leading role: the condition often runs in several members of the same family. Research describes differences in the systems responsible for attention, impulse control, and motivation, including the dopamine system. Factors during pregnancy and early development, such as premature birth, also contribute. Parenting does not cause ADHD, although it does influence how a person learns to cope with it.
In adulthood, symptoms often become more noticeable as demands grow: multitasking at work, deadlines, family, a mortgage. Life in a big city, with a constant stream of notifications, noise, and traffic, drains attention even further. Many adults with ADHD compensate for their difficulties for years at the cost of enormous effort, which leads to burnout, anxiety, and depression. A timely diagnosis helps remove the “lazy” label and start doing things differently.
How Online ADHD Assessment and Treatment Work
Before the session, you can fill in questionnaires sent by the administrator. During the consultation, the psychiatrist discusses the results, asks clarifying questions, and asks you to recall your childhood. If possible, a family member joins — from the next room or from another city. After the assessment, the doctor explains the available treatment options and helps you choose a strategy. Follow-up sessions are shorter and fit easily into a working day.
Lab tests and instrumental examinations cannot be done online; if physical causes need to be ruled out, the doctor will refer you to an in-person appointment. Certain ADHD medications are subject to special prescribing and dispensing rules set by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and a prescription may require an in-person visit. The doctor will tell you honestly what is available in your situation. In case of severe depression or thoughts of self-harm, call 103 or 112.
How we help
Psychoeducation
Understanding how your brain works in itself reduces self-criticism. The doctor explains the mechanisms of ADHD, why some tasks come easily while others feel impossible, and how sleep, workload, and stress play a role. This is the foundation for the next steps: you stop fighting yourself and start building a system that works for you specifically.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT for adults with ADHD is one of the methods with a solid evidence base. It helps you master skills for planning, breaking tasks into steps, overcoming procrastination, and managing time. The therapist works with your real-life tasks rather than abstract exercises. Online sessions are convenient: you can share your calendar or to-do list on screen right away.
Medication
International guidelines include stimulant and non-stimulant medications in the treatment of adult ADHD. The decision is made after assessment, taking into account cardiovascular health, co-occurring conditions, and the risk of misuse. Prescribing rules are set by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and some medications require an in-person examination. The doctor discusses all the options with you and selects an approach.
Organizing your environment and habits
Simple external supports often have a big effect: reminders, visual lists, timers, fixed places for your belongings, and working in short blocks. The doctor helps you choose what fits your schedule, whether you work in an office in the Bostandyk district or remotely from home. Regular sleep and physical activity also noticeably improve concentration.
Myths and facts
MythOnly children have ADHD
FactFor a significant share of people, symptoms persist into adulthood, although they may look different: instead of running around the classroom, there is inner restlessness; instead of forgotten notebooks, there are missed deadlines. Adult ADHD is recognized in ICD-11 and international guidelines.
MythIt’s just a trendy diagnosis for lazy people
FactPeople with ADHD often put in more effort than those around them, but with less result. This is not laziness but a difference in how attention and motivation are regulated. The diagnosis is made according to clear criteria, not based on how a person feels about themselves.
MythIf you coped before, you don’t have ADHD
FactMany people compensate for symptoms for years thanks to intelligence, anxiety, or help from loved ones. This compensation can break down as demands grow — a new position, the birth of a child. That doesn’t mean the condition appeared suddenly: it simply became noticeable.
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 Almaty
| 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 Almaty: same-day video appointments and two branches for in-person visits — 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Our mobile team works around the clock: all city districts and nearby settlements. If you live elsewhere in Almaty and Almaty Region, starting online is usually easiest.
Confidential and private
An online appointment in Almaty is first of all about privacy: no clinic visit, no waiting room. A private room and headphones are enough. Data is stored in a secure system with restricted access and does not enter any state registry without legal grounds.
Questions and answers
Can ADHD be diagnosed online?
Yes, in most cases. Assessment is based on a clinical interview, questionnaires, and information about your childhood, all of which can be done by video. If physical causes need to be ruled out, the doctor will refer you for lab tests. Final treatment decisions are made in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
What should I prepare for the first session?
It helps to recall how you did at school and to find old report cards or teacher evaluations if you have them. Write down which difficulties bother you most right now. Think about whether a family member could join and tell the doctor about your childhood. Have a list of the medications you take.
How long until I see results from treatment?
Psychoeducation and organizational strategies start to work within the first few weeks. Psychotherapy usually takes several months. With medication, changes may be noticeable sooner, but finding the right option takes time and monitoring. The doctor will discuss realistic expectations with you.
Can I have ADHD and anxiety at the same time?
Yes, this is a common combination. ADHD also often occurs alongside depression, sleep problems, and addictions. The doctor looks at the whole picture and proposes a plan that takes all conditions into account, not just one. Sometimes treatment starts with whatever interferes with life the most.
Is treatment manageable if I work a lot?
That is exactly what the online format is for. Sessions can be scheduled early in the morning, at lunchtime, or late in the evening, and you can join from an office in the Almaly district or from home in the Nauryzbay district. There is no need to spend an hour each way crossing Almaty, which means less risk of canceling a session.
Will my employer find out about the diagnosis?
No. Information about your health at Psychiatry Online is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” It is not shared without your consent, except in cases expressly provided for by law. Whether to tell anyone about your diagnosis is up to you.
Where can I be seen in Almaty?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. 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
