Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F48.0
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist, coordinating with a GP and a neurologist
- Format
- video consultations and online support throughout a recovery program
- Duration
- first appointment 40–60 minutes, follow-ups 20–30 minutes
- Confidentiality
- information is protected by medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law
- When it is urgent
- sudden weakness, shortness of breath, fainting or suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- understanding the cause, a test plan, and restored energy and routine
What you should know
In ICD-10, neurasthenia is coded F48.0 and is characterized by increased fatigue after mental or physical effort, accompanied by bodily discomfort and difficulty relaxing. ICD-11 does not have a separate category for neurasthenia; instead, asthenic complaints are considered in the context of other disorders — depressive, anxiety and bodily distress disorders — or physical illnesses. Chronic fatigue syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is classified separately as a neurological condition.
Because asthenia is a non-specific symptom, the doctor’s main task is to find out what is causing it. An online psychiatrist consultation in Kentau makes it possible to go through your complaints in detail, assess mood, anxiety, sleep and lifestyle, and draw up a list of the tests you need. This approach saves time and helps ensure that neither a physical illness nor hidden depression, which often shows up precisely as fatigue, is missed.
Signs of Asthenic Syndrome
- tiring quickly, with fatigue that does not go away after sleep or a weekend
- poor concentration, absent-mindedness and trouble remembering things
- irritability and intolerance of noise, bright light and bustle
- sleep problems: light sleep, waking early, daytime sleepiness
- headaches, a feeling of heaviness in the body, muscle discomfort
- emotional instability: tearfulness, a short temper, anxiety
- losing interest in usual activities because of a feeling of having no energy
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 Asthenia
Asthenic states are divided into functional and organic. Functional asthenia develops after prolonged overload, chronic stress, lack of sleep, infections (including viral ones), surgery and childbirth. It is usually reversible once a healthy routine is restored and the excessive load is removed. Asthenia in mental disorders — depression, anxiety disorders, burnout — is considered separately, as fatigue is one of the leading symptoms in these conditions.
Organic asthenia is linked to illnesses: anemia, thyroid disease, diabetes, chronic infections, diseases of the heart, liver and kidneys, cancer, the after-effects of traumatic brain injury, as well as the effects of certain medications and alcohol misuse. That is why persistent fatigue calls for laboratory tests and a consultation with a GP.
How an Online Consultation for Asthenia Works
Before the appointment, it is helpful to gather the results of recent tests, information about chronic illnesses and the medications you take, and to keep a note of your sleep and energy levels for a few days. The psychiatrist asks when the complaints began and how they have changed, how they relate to workload and life events, and assesses signs of depression and anxiety. The outcome is a test plan and recommendations. A psychiatrist consultation in Kentau takes place over a secure video connection at a convenient time.
A physical examination, blood tests and instrumental studies needed to rule out physical causes cannot be carried out remotely. These are done in person by a GP, neurologist or endocrinologist. In case of sudden severe weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or suicidal thoughts, call 103 or 112 immediately.
How we help
Identifying the cause
The work begins with a systematic search for causes: a clinical interview, screening scales for depression and anxiety, and a list of basic tests, including a complete blood count, thyroid function, glucose and ferritin. The psychiatrist reviews the results together with the GP. Correctly identifying the cause determines whether treatment will be based on lifestyle changes, psychotherapy or treatment of a physical illness.
Routine and graded activity
A stable sleep–wake schedule, regular meals, a gradual increase in physical activity in line with how you feel, and alternating effort with rest play a key role. This approach helps avoid both overload and excessive rest, which makes weakness worse. The doctor helps draw up a realistic plan and adjusts it at follow-up online visits.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps identify and change patterns of overload, perfectionism, and the inability to say no and to rest, as well as reduce health anxiety. Stress management and relaxation methods are used. Psychotherapy by video is convenient for people with asthenia because it does not require spending extra energy on travel.
Medication support
If asthenia is a manifestation of depression or an anxiety disorder, the doctor considers medications from the relevant groups, such as antidepressants. If the cause is physical, treatment is prescribed by the appropriate specialist. Prescribing and issuing prescriptions follow Kazakhstan law, and the effect and tolerability are monitored at follow-up consultations.
Myths and facts
MythFatigue is just laziness
FactAsthenic syndrome is a medical condition in which low energy persists even after rest. It may point to depression, anemia, endocrine or other illnesses, so it calls for a doctor’s attention rather than self-blame.
MythVitamins or coffee are enough
FactStimulants and vitamin supplements taken without identifying the cause only mask the symptoms. Iron or vitamin supplements make sense only after tests confirm a deficiency, and depression or a physical illness requires different treatment.
MythComplete rest is the best remedy
FactProlonged rest and avoiding activity make weakness worse. A gradual, graded return to activity in line with how you feel is recommended, and this is part of international approaches to treating asthenic states.
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 Kentau
| 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 “Asthenic syndrome and chronic fatigue” is available to people across Turkistan Region 24/7 — from home, work or while travelling. For an in-person visit, Psychiatry Online in Kentau has two branches: 39 Yassaui St., Kentau and 46 Mira St., office 32, Kentau. Doctor home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements.
Confidential and private
An online appointment in Kentau 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
Why see a psychiatrist about fatigue?
Depression and anxiety disorders often show up first as weakness, poor sleep and reduced concentration. A psychiatrist can recognize these conditions while also coordinating tests to rule out physical causes of fatigue.
Which tests are needed for asthenia?
The doctor decides on the scope, but a complete blood count, glucose, thyroid function, ferritin, vitamin B12, and liver and kidney blood chemistry are often recommended. If needed, an ECG and consultations with other specialists are arranged.
How long does recovery take?
With functional asthenia after overload or an infection, improvement usually comes within a few weeks if a healthy routine is followed. If fatigue is linked to depression or a chronic illness, the timeline depends on treatment of the underlying condition.
Can I get a sick note after an online consultation?
The procedure for issuing sick leave certificates is regulated by Kazakhstan law and usually requires an in-person examination. An online consultation helps you decide which specialist to see in person and what documents to prepare.
How is asthenia different from chronic fatigue syndrome?
Asthenia is a broad term describing abnormal fatigue in many conditions. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a distinct illness with a characteristic worsening after exertion; it is diagnosed after other causes have been ruled out and requires follow-up by a neurologist.
How is anonymity ensured?
Consultations at Psychiatry Online take place over a secure channel, and all information is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. Patients in Kentau can reach out giving only a first name for communication, and appointments are not recorded without consent.
Where can I be seen in Kentau?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 39 Yassaui St., Kentau and 46 Mira St., office 32, Kentau. 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
