Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F41.1
- Who provides care
- A psychiatrist and a psychotherapist; a general practitioner or cardiologist if needed to rule out physical causes
- Format
- Video consultations and online CBT sessions; lab tests and ECG in person on referral
- Duration
- Initial appointment about 60 minutes; a CBT course usually takes 12–20 sessions, medication treatment lasts months
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- When it is urgent
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, symptoms appearing for the first time, thoughts of self-harm — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Reduced anxiety, restored sleep and ability to work, and skills to manage anxiety on your own
What you should know
In ICD-10, anxiety disorders fall under codes F40–F41: phobic anxiety disorders, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (F41.1) and mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. In ICD-11 they are grouped together in the chapter on anxiety or fear-related disorders. In generalized anxiety, worry is constant, extends to many areas of life and is accompanied by muscle tension, irritability and sleep problems.
At Psychiatry Online, anxiety disorders are treated by psychiatrists and psychotherapists via video consultations. The online format suits this group of conditions well: international clinical guidelines name cognitive behavioral therapy as the main treatment, and it is effective when delivered remotely too. An online psychiatrist consultation in Ayagoz lets you start treatment without waiting for an in-person appointment and continue it in familiar surroundings.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
- constant worry about work, health or loved ones that is hard to stop
- expecting the worst outcome even when there is no real reason to
- muscle tension, trembling and a sense of being keyed up or on edge
- trouble falling asleep and restless sleep because of thoughts going round in circles
- a racing heart, sweating and stomach discomfort when worried
- irritability, getting tired easily and poor concentration
- avoiding situations that make anxiety worse and narrowing the range of activities
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.
Causes of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders develop through an interaction of biological, psychological and social factors. Heredity matters: the risk is higher in people whose relatives have anxiety or depressive disorders. Disturbances in the systems that regulate the response to threat, including the amygdala and neurotransmitter systems, are thought to be involved. Temperament traits, such as marked behavioral inhibition in childhood, also play a role.
External factors include prolonged stress, traumatic events, adverse childhood experiences and chronic illnesses. Anxiety symptoms can be caused or worsened by too much caffeine, alcohol and stimulant use, withdrawal from sedatives, and physical conditions such as hyperthyroidism and heart rhythm disorders. That is why the assessment includes ruling out physical causes of anxiety.
How Online Treatment for Anxiety Disorder Works
At the first video consultation, the doctor asks about the nature of your anxiety, how long it has lasted, the situations that make it worse, physical symptoms, sleep, and your use of caffeine, alcohol and medications. Standardized scales such as the GAD-7 are used. At the end, a preliminary diagnosis and a treatment plan are formulated. You will need a device with a camera, a stable internet connection and a quiet private room; headphones help maintain confidentiality.
An ECG, thyroid hormone tests and a physical examination, which are needed to rule out physical causes of anxiety, cannot be done online — they are carried out in person. Whether prescription medications can be prescribed depends on the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the requirement for an initial examination. If chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting occur for the first time, an urgent physical condition must be ruled out first: call 103 or 112.
How we help
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
According to international guidelines, CBT is the first-line treatment for generalized anxiety. Patients learn to recognize anxious thoughts, test how realistic they are, and break the habit of constant worry and avoidance. A course usually includes 12–20 weekly video sessions with homework and shows effectiveness comparable to in-person therapy.
Medication
For severe anxiety or when psychotherapy is not effective enough, the doctor may recommend medications from the antidepressant groups used for the long-term treatment of anxiety disorders. Sedatives that carry a risk of dependence are used sparingly and only for short periods. Choosing, monitoring tolerability and stopping a medication is done only by the doctor.
Self-Regulation Skills
In addition, patients learn techniques that reduce physical tension: diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness practices. They do not replace the main treatment but make anxiety easier to bear. The exercises are practiced together with the psychotherapist online and then done independently.
Lifestyle and Prevention
A regular sleep schedule, physical activity, limiting caffeine and not using alcohol as a way to calm down all reduce the severity of anxiety. After the course is completed, maintenance sessions and an action plan in case symptoms return are useful. The video format makes such follow-up consultations easier and helps keep monitoring uninterrupted.
Myths and facts
MythAnxiety is a personality trait, so treating it is pointless
FactBeing an anxious person and having an anxiety disorder are different things. The disorder is diagnosed using clinical criteria and responds well to treatment: psychotherapy and, if needed, medication reduce symptoms in most patients.
MythSedatives are the best solution for anxiety
FactSedating medications relieve tension quickly, but with long-term use they can lead to dependence and do not address the cause of anxiety. International guidelines put psychotherapy and medications for long-term treatment first.
MythAnxiety cannot be treated online
FactCBT delivered by video for anxiety disorders has been studied in clinical trials and shows effectiveness comparable to face-to-face sessions. For many people with anxiety, being at home actually makes it easier to start treatment.
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 Ayagoz
| 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 Ayagoz: same-day video appointments and two branches for in-person visits — 73 Abaya St., Ayagoz and 160 Kunanbaeva St., Ayagoz. Our mobile team works around the clock: all city districts and nearby settlements. If you live elsewhere in Abai Region, starting online is usually easiest.
Confidential and private
An online appointment in Ayagoz 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
When does anxiety become a disorder?
If worry is excessive, hard to control, lasts for several months and interferes with work, sleep or relationships, it is a reason to see a psychiatrist. In generalized anxiety disorder, symptoms are present on most days for at least several months.
Can anxiety disorder be cured?
For most patients, treatment leads to a significant reduction in symptoms or to remission. Anxiety disorders tend to come and go, so the skills gained in psychotherapy help you cope on your own with periods of increased anxiety in the future.
How long does treatment last?
A course of CBT usually takes 3–5 months. When medication is needed, it continues for longer, as a rule for at least several months after improvement, to reduce the risk of relapse. The duration is decided by the doctor based on your progress.
Why does the doctor refer me for an ECG and lab tests?
A number of physical conditions — heart rhythm disorders, hyperthyroidism, anemia — can cause symptoms that resemble anxiety. Ruling them out is part of the standard assessment. These tests are done in person, and the results are then discussed during a video consultation.
Can medication be prescribed online?
Whether it can be prescribed remotely depends on the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the group of the medication and whether an initial in-person examination has taken place. The doctor will honestly explain what is possible in your case. Getting a quick prescription without an assessment of your condition does not comply with the rules of medical care.
Will my visit be recorded anywhere?
Psychiatry Online keeps medical records, but information about the patient is protected by medical confidentiality and is disclosed only in cases provided for by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan. An online psychiatrist consultation in Ayagoz is not reported to your employer or school.
Where can I be seen in Ayagoz?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 73 Abaya St., Ayagoz and 160 Kunanbaeva St., Ayagoz. 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
