Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F43.0
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist, working together with a psychotherapist when needed
- Format
- video consultation or audio call, available 24/7
- Duration
- first appointment 40–60 minutes, follow-ups 20–30 minutes
- Confidentiality
- medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- When it is urgent
- suicidal thoughts, confusion or aggression — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- risk assessment, relief of acute symptoms, a follow-up plan and PTSD prevention
What you should know
Acute stress reaction is listed in ICD-10 under code F43.0, while ICD-11 treats it as a normal response of the mind to an extreme event that may still require a specialist’s attention when needed. Typical triggers include a threat to life, violence, a disaster, the sudden death of a loved one or a serious accident. Symptoms appear within the first minutes or hours and include a dazed feeling, anxiety, sleep problems and pronounced physical (autonomic) reactions such as a racing heart or sweating.
In most cases the symptoms of acute stress subside on their own within two to three days, but in some people they persist and turn into an adjustment disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Reaching out early to an online psychiatrist in Kazakhstan by video helps tell a natural reaction apart from a condition that needs treatment and prevents the problem from becoming chronic. You can get a consultation at Psychiatry Online without travel or waiting in line.
Signs of an Acute Stress Reaction
- feeling dazed or numb, a sense that what is happening is unreal, narrowed attention
- intense anxiety, fear and a sense of helplessness after the event
- a pounding heart, sweating, trembling, hot flushes or chills
- sleep problems: difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, nightmares
- intrusive memories of the event and avoidance of anything that recalls it
- sudden mood swings: tearfulness, irritability, outbursts of anger
- partial loss of memory for details of the event or for the first hours afterwards
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 and Risk Factors
The trigger is an event perceived as threatening the life or physical integrity of the person or their loved ones: an assault, a natural disaster, a road traffic accident, military action or a sudden loss. The reaction develops as a protective response of the nervous system that involves activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of stress hormones. The severity of symptoms is not always proportional to the objective scale of the event and depends on how significant it is for the individual.
A pronounced and prolonged reaction is more likely with physical exhaustion, chronic insomnia, previous trauma, a history of anxiety or depressive disorders, and alcohol use. Protective factors include social support, the opportunity to talk about what happened, and keeping regular sleep and meals. Taking these circumstances into account allows the doctor to predict how the condition is likely to develop and to choose the right level of care.
How an Online Consultation for Acute Stress Works
For a video appointment, all you need is a smartphone or computer with a stable internet connection and a quiet room where no one else can overhear the conversation. The psychiatrist asks what happened and when, and assesses the severity of symptoms, sleep, any suicidal thoughts and alcohol use. The doctor then explains how the stress reaction works, teaches techniques to steady breathing and attention, and gives advice on daily routine. An online psychiatrist consultation in Kazakhstan is available within an hour of your request.
The remote format is not suitable if the person is disoriented, cannot keep up a conversation, behaves aggressively or expresses an intention to harm themselves. In such situations, call 103 or 112 immediately. An in-person examination is also needed if a head injury, physical complications or the need for laboratory tests is suspected. Any medication is prescribed in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
How we help
Psychological first aid
The first stage focuses on ensuring safety, explaining that the reaction is normal and helping the person regain a sense of control over the situation. The doctor helps plan the next steps: contacting loved ones, restoring sleep and cutting down on the flow of news and information. This approach follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidance on helping people after extreme events and does not require an in-depth discussion of the trauma at an early stage.
Self-regulation techniques
The patient is taught and practices breathing exercises with a prolonged exhale, sensory grounding methods and progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques reduce physical arousal and anxiety within a few minutes. During the video appointment the doctor demonstrates the exercises and checks that they are being done correctly, so the patient can use them independently afterwards.
Medication support
For severe insomnia, anxiety or agitation, the doctor may consider short-term use of medications from the anxiolytic, sleep-aid or antidepressant groups. The decision is made individually, taking into account contraindications and coexisting conditions. Prescribing and issuing a prescription depend on the requirements of Kazakhstan law regarding an initial in-person examination and are carried out only by a physician.
PTSD prevention
If symptoms last longer than a month, the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder is assessed. In such cases, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy or EMDR is recommended — methods with proven effectiveness according to international clinical guidelines. Follow-up online consultations make it possible to monitor progress and adjust the care plan in good time.
Myths and facts
MythYou should get through stress on your own — there’s no need for a doctor
FactMost reactions do pass without treatment, but some people go on to develop anxiety disorders or PTSD. An early consultation helps assess the risk and avoid missing the window when help is most effective.
MythYou must describe the trauma in detail straight away
FactInternational guidelines do not support pressuring people to discuss the event in detail during the first days. The doctor is guided by the patient’s condition and does not insist on revisiting memories if doing so increases distress.
MythAlcohol helps you calm down after a shock
FactDrinking alcohol temporarily reduces anxiety, but it worsens sleep quality, makes it harder to process what happened and increases the risk of symptoms becoming chronic and of developing dependence, especially with regular use.
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 Kazakhstan
| 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 “Acute stress: online psychiatric help” is available from any city in Kazakhstan — all you need is a smartphone or computer with internet. In 45 cities we also offer home visits and in-person appointments. Choose your city at the top of the page to see addresses and visit areas.
Confidential and private
An online appointment in Kazakhstan 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
How long does an acute stress reaction last?
The main symptoms usually ease within 48–72 hours and resolve completely within a few weeks. If symptoms last longer than a month or get worse, that is a reason for a follow-up consultation, since PTSD or an adjustment disorder may be developing.
Can I get help at night?
Yes, video consultations are available around the clock. However, if there is an immediate threat to life, confusion or suicidal thoughts, call 103 or 112 right away and use the online appointment as additional support.
Do I have to turn on my camera?
Video is preferable because it allows the doctor to assess facial expressions, speech and behavior. If turning on the camera is difficult, the first conversation can be held by audio, although the assessment will be more limited in that case, and the doctor may suggest switching to video at the next stage.
Will my employer find out about the consultation?
No. The fact that you sought care is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. Information may be disclosed only in cases expressly established by law. This rule applies equally to patients in Kazakhstan, regardless of the appointment format.
How is an online appointment different from talking to a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose a mental disorder and assess whether medication or in-person care is needed. A psychologist provides non-medical support. With stress, a combination of both specialists is often helpful, and at Psychiatry Online this kind of care can be arranged remotely.
How can I help a loved one who has been through a traumatic event?
It is important to ensure their safety, offer calm presence and give them the chance to talk without pressure. With the patient’s consent, a family member can join the online consultation. If there are signs of danger to life, call an ambulance on 103 or 112.
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
