Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who leads care
- A psychiatrist and a psychotherapist
- Format
- Video consultations, psychotherapy sessions, online treatment monitoring
- Duration
- First appointment 50 minutes; treatment lasts from several weeks
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality under the Kazakhstan Code “On Public Health”
- When it is urgent
- Suicidal thoughts or a sharp deterioration — call 103, 112, or 150
- Outcome
- A clear diagnosis, fewer symptoms, and self-regulation skills
What you should know
People use the word “neurosis” to describe constant anxiety, irritability, fatigue, sleep problems, a lump in the throat, or pain with no visible cause. Modern classification has no single diagnosis of “neurosis”: the word covers different disorders, and each has its own methods with proven effectiveness. That is why the doctor’s first task is not to treat “neurosis in general” but to understand what exactly is going on: an anxiety disorder, a stress reaction, OCD, neurasthenia, or a somatoform disorder.
These conditions share an important feature: the person realizes that something is wrong, keeps their insight and grip on reality, but cannot cope alone. At Psychiatry Online, diagnosis and treatment take place over video. The format suits people living to a packed work schedule: you can connect in the morning before work or in the evening, without wasting time traveling between the Almaty and Yesil districts and without putting off the visit until spring.
Signs and Symptoms of a Neurotic Disorder
- constant anxiety, inner tension, and expecting something bad to happen
- irritability, a short temper, and tears over minor things
- tiring quickly and feeling exhausted even after rest
- sleep problems: trouble falling asleep, frequent awakenings, anxious dreams
- physical symptoms with no organic cause: a lump in the throat, aches, palpitations
- intrusive thoughts or actions that are hard to give up
- reduced concentration and ability to work under stress
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 Neurotic Disorders
The classical view of neuroses as a reaction to inner conflict has given way to the biopsychosocial model. Predisposition (heredity, temperament, the way a person regulates stress) interacts with life events and the ways a person copes with tension. A key mechanism in many neurotic disorders is chronic activation of the stress system, which over time shows up as anxiety, exhaustion, and physical symptoms.
The disorder is maintained by avoidance, constantly checking how one feels, and overload without recovery. Demanding work in the civil service and offices, with high responsibility and little control over one’s schedule, is a common backdrop. A long winter, wind, and short days reduce outdoor activity and disrupt sleep, which deepens exhaustion. Similar symptoms can occur with physical illnesses, so these are ruled out during diagnosis.
How Online Treatment for Neurosis Works
At the first video consultation, the doctor asks in detail about your symptoms, how they began, their link to stress, your sleep, your ability to work, and physical sensations. Questionnaires are used to assess anxiety, depression, and other disorders. At the end, you receive a clear explanation of what exactly is happening to you and a treatment plan. It helps to write down your main complaints and the results of any previous tests in advance. You will need headphones, a quiet place, and a stable internet connection.
A physical examination and lab tests cannot be done online. If you have physical symptoms that have not been checked, the doctor will refer you for an in-person evaluation by a general practitioner or neurologist to rule out physical causes. Whether medication can be prescribed and a prescription issued depends on Kazakhstan law. If you have suicidal thoughts or your condition has deteriorated sharply, call 103, 112, or 150.
How we help
Accurate diagnosis
Treatment begins by clarifying the diagnosis according to ICD-10: an anxiety disorder, an adjustment disorder, OCD, a somatoform disorder, or neurasthenia. This determines the choice of method: for example, panic and OCD require different CBT techniques. Without an accurate diagnosis, treating “neurosis in general” is often of little use and drags on for years.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
CBT is the method with the strongest evidence base for most neurotic disorders. It works with the thoughts that keep anxiety going and with avoidance and checking behaviors. A course usually takes 8 to 20 sessions, and the skills learned in therapy remain after it ends, lowering the risk of relapse.
Medication
For severe anxiety, depression, or OCD, clinical guidelines recommend antidepressants from certain classes. Tranquilizers are used sparingly because of the risk of dependence. The class of medication and the length of treatment are decided by the psychiatrist, and medication is tapered off gradually under a doctor’s supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Routine and recovery
Sleep, physical activity, and limiting alcohol and caffeine lower the baseline level of stress. At Psychiatry Online, the specialist helps you build these changes into your schedule: for example, a walk along the embankment in the Yesil district during daylight, the gym or a pool on freezing days, no work messages late in the evening, and a fixed bedtime.
Myths and facts
MythNeurosis isn’t serious — it will pass on its own
FactNeurotic disorders can reduce quality of life and the ability to work for years, and without treatment they often become chronic. Timely therapy helps you recover faster and prevents complications.
MythYou don’t see a psychiatrist for neurosis
FactA psychiatrist is the specialist who makes the diagnosis and determines what treatment is needed. Seeing one does not mean you have a serious diagnosis; it helps you get accurate and effective treatment.
MythNeurosis can be cured with calming herbs
FactHerbal remedies may slightly reduce tension, but they do not treat the disorder. According to clinical guidelines, the foundation of treatment is psychotherapy and, when needed, medications with proven effectiveness.
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
You can book in Astana online or at one of two branches: 72 Bogenbay batyra St., Astana, 37 Petrova St., office 23, Astana. Our coordinator replies on WhatsApp within minutes at any time, and a doctor usually connects by video the same day; home visits are available too — 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
Is “neurosis” still a diagnosis today?
ICD-10 has kept the term “neurotic disorders” as the name of a chapter section, but the specific diagnosis is stated more precisely: anxiety disorder, OCD, adjustment disorder, and others. In ICD-11, the term “neurosis” is practically no longer used.
How is a psychiatrist different from a psychologist in this case?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who makes the diagnosis, rules out other disorders, and can prescribe medication. A psychologist or psychotherapist provides psychotherapy. With neurotic disorders, they often work as a team, and an online clinic makes this easy to arrange.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the disorder. With a stress reaction, improvement may come within a few weeks; with chronic anxiety, treatment takes months. The doctor will discuss the expected timeline after diagnosis and will adjust the plan as you improve.
Can physical symptoms be caused by nerves?
Yes. Chronic stress and anxiety cause real sensations: muscle tension, palpitations, digestive problems, and headaches. However, it is important to rule out physical causes first, so the doctor may refer you for tests.
Can I get treatment if work leaves me no time?
Yes — the online format solves exactly this problem. Consultations can take place during your lunch break, early in the morning, or in the evening, from home in Saryarka or from the office on the left bank, with no travel and no waiting in line. The appointment time is chosen to fit your schedule.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Information about your consultation is protected by medical confidentiality under the Kazakhstan Code “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” You can seek help anonymously, and information may be disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by law.
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