Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- Z73.0
- Who leads care
- A psychiatrist and a psychotherapist
- Format
- Video consultations, psychotherapy, an online recovery plan
- Duration
- First appointment 50 minutes; a course usually involves 6–8 sessions or more
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality; your employer receives no information
- When it is urgent
- Thoughts of death or suicide, complete exhaustion — call 103, 112, or 150
- Outcome
- Restored energy, new boundaries at work, prevention of relapse
What you should know
Burnout is not weakness or an unwillingness to work. It is the predictable result of a long-term imbalance between demands and resources. The model that ICD-11 draws on identifies three dimensions: exhaustion (no energy even after the weekend), depersonalization or cynicism (work and people become irritating, and you start to distance yourself), and a reduced sense of accomplishment. It is important to understand that burnout is defined as specifically work-related, but its consequences spill over into sleep, health, and relationships.
Burnout is especially common where high responsibility is combined with little control over one’s schedule — in the civil service, in the offices of large companies, in healthcare, and in education. At Psychiatry Online, consultations take place over video, so they can be fitted even into a packed working day: for example, held during your lunch break from a meeting room on the left bank, without wasting time on travel or explaining to colleagues where you are going.
Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
- exhaustion that does not lift after the weekend or even after a vacation
- irritability and cynicism toward your job, colleagues, and clients
- a feeling that your work is pointless and changes nothing
- lower productivity, mistakes, and difficulty concentrating
- anxiety or a sense of dread on Sunday evening before the work week
- sleep problems: lying awake for a long time thinking about tasks
- headaches, muscle tension, and frequent colds
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 Burnout
Research identifies several key risk factors: excessive workload, lack of control over one’s work, lack of recognition, unfairness, a clash of values, and weak support from colleagues. The mechanism is linked to chronic activation of the stress system: the body spends a long time in mobilization mode, its recovery resources are depleted, and the brain begins to “ration” emotions — hence the detachment and cynicism.
The local context amplifies these factors. The demanding schedules of the civil service and corporate offices, reporting periods, evening meetings, and constant availability on messaging apps blur the line between work and rest. A long winter, wind, and short days cut down time spent outdoors: people travel to work in the dark and come home in the dark. Without recovery — sleep, exercise, social contact — stress builds up faster.
How Online Treatment for Burnout Works
At the first video consultation, the doctor asks how long you have had symptoms, what your working day looks like, and whether you have sleep problems, anxiety, or low mood. Questionnaires are used to distinguish burnout from depression and anxiety disorders: this matters because the treatment is different. Have headphones ready and find a place where you cannot be overheard. Many patients join from home in the evening — at Psychiatry Online, you can choose a time that suits you.
A physical examination cannot be done online: frequent headaches, blood pressure spikes, or chest pain need to be checked in person by a general practitioner. If burnout has turned into depression with thoughts of death or suicide, this is an emergency — call 103, 112, or the 150 helpline. Decisions about medication and prescriptions are made in accordance with Kazakhstan law.
How we help
Differential diagnosis
Burnout, depression, and anxiety disorders share symptoms but are treated differently. With burnout, the key is to change your circumstances and rebuild your resources; with depression, medication is often needed. The psychiatrist assesses the severity of symptoms and determines which of these you are dealing with, so you do not waste time on methods that do not fit.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
CBT helps you see the beliefs that keep burnout going: perfectionism, “I have to get everything done,” and being unable to say “no.” You learn to test these assumptions, set priorities, and build boundaries. Research shows that CBT and stress management are effective in reducing exhaustion.
Restoring a healthy routine
Sleep, exercise, and rest are not luxuries but the foundation for restoring the stress system. A specialist helps you draw up a realistic plan: a fixed bedtime, breaks during the working day, and physical activity that is doable in winter — for example, a pool or a gym near your home in the Yesil or Baikonur district rather than a run in the wind.
Medication support
Burnout on its own does not require medication. But if it is accompanied by severe anxiety, insomnia, or depression, the psychiatrist may suggest medication. The class of medication and the length of the course are decided by the doctor, and the decision is made together with the patient after discussing the benefits, possible side effects, and alternatives.
Myths and facts
MythA vacation cures burnout
FactA vacation helps temporarily, but if working conditions and habits do not change, symptoms return within a few weeks. Lasting results require working on the causes: workload, boundaries, beliefs, and routine.
MythOnly weak people burn out
FactBurnout more often develops in engaged, conscientious people who have been working at their limit for a long time. It is a matter of conditions, workload, and recovery resources, not strength of character: under the same circumstances, almost anyone can burn out.
MythBurnout is just a buzzword
FactBurnout is described in ICD-11 as an occupational phenomenon and has been studied for decades. It has clear signs and, if ignored, can lead to depression and physical health problems.
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 Astana
| 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
An online consultation for “Burnout treatment online” is available to people across Astana and Akmola Region 24/7 — from home, work or while travelling. For an in-person visit, Psychiatry Online in Astana has two branches: 72 Bogenbay batyra St., Astana and 37 Petrova St., office 23, Astana. Doctor home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements.
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
How is burnout different from depression?
Burnout is tied to work: outside of work, a person may feel better. In depression, low mood and loss of interest extend to every area of life. However, burnout can develop into depression, which is why an assessment by a psychiatrist is important.
Do I need to quit my job?
Not necessarily. Often it is enough to change your workload, boundaries, and routine. Sometimes changing jobs really does turn out to be the best solution, but it is better made after you have recovered, not at the peak of exhaustion. A specialist will help you weigh the options.
How long does recovery take?
If you seek help early, noticeable improvement can come within 4–8 weeks. With severe burnout, recovery takes several months. The timeline depends on how far you are able to change the conditions that led to exhaustion and to restore sleep and rest.
Can I get sick leave?
Temporary incapacity for work is handled in accordance with Kazakhstan law and requires an in-person examination by a doctor. During an online consultation, the specialist can assess your condition and advise you on which facility to contact and which documents to prepare.
Will my employer find out?
No. Information about your consultation is protected by medical confidentiality under the Kazakhstan Code “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” You do not have to name your employer, and information may be disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by law.
How often are sessions needed?
Psychotherapy usually takes place once a week, and psychiatrist consultations as needed, more often at the start of treatment. The online format means you do not miss sessions because of business trips, weather, or meetings that run late, and you can join from anywhere.
Where can I be seen in Astana?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 72 Bogenbay batyra St., Astana and 37 Petrova St., office 23, Astana. 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
