Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F45
- Who provides care
- A psychiatrist and a psychotherapist, in coordination with a general practitioner and relevant specialists
- Format
- Video consultations and online psychotherapy; examinations and tests in person with the relevant specialists
- Duration
- Initial appointment about 60 minutes; a course of psychotherapy usually takes 10–20 sessions
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- When it is urgent
- Acute chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, bleeding, fainting, thoughts of death — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Fewer physical symptoms and less anxiety about them, an understanding of how they work, and a better quality of life
What you should know
In ICD-10, somatoform disorders are grouped under code F45: somatization disorder, somatoform autonomic dysfunction, persistent somatoform pain disorder and others. In ICD-11, most of these conditions are described as bodily distress disorder: physical symptoms cause marked distress and excessive attention, which impairs everyday life. Psychological factors affecting the course of physical illnesses, such as hypertension or irritable bowel syndrome, are classified separately.
At Psychiatry Online, psychosomatic consultations are provided by psychiatrists and psychotherapists via video call. Many patients come after lengthy investigations by different specialists that have not given a clear answer. A video consultation with a psychiatrist in Kazakhstan helps look at the results as a whole, establish how the symptoms are linked to anxiety, depression or stress, and offer treatment that targets these mechanisms without replacing follow-up with the relevant specialists.
Possible Signs of a Psychosomatic Disorder
- recurring pain, palpitations or digestive problems with no organic cause found
- symptoms that get worse during periods of stress, conflict or anxiety
- many tests with different doctors without a clear explanation for the complaints
- constant attention to bodily sensations and worry about them
- chronic fatigue, headaches and muscle tension
- physical symptoms combined with low mood or anxiety
- work, leisure and social life suffering because of physical discomfort
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 Psychosomatic Disorders
Modern medicine views psychosomatic disorders within the biopsychosocial model. Stress and anxiety activate the autonomic nervous system and hormonal mechanisms, and affect muscle tone, bowel and cardiovascular function and the perception of pain. Under prolonged strain, these reactions become chronic, while heightened attention to the body amplifies sensations and creates a vicious circle.
Risk factors include prolonged stress, traumatic events, depression and anxiety disorders, difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions, and a family history of serious illness. Symptoms are maintained by avoiding activity, frequent medical tests and catastrophic interpretation of sensations. Importantly, the psychosomatic nature of complaints is established only after organic diseases have been ruled out, not instead of ruling them out.
What to Expect From an Online Psychosomatic Consultation
During the video appointment, the doctor asks in detail about your physical symptoms, how they relate to stress, sleep, mood, anxiety and lifestyle, and reviews the results of previous tests and specialists’ reports. Questionnaires are used to assess physical symptoms, anxiety and depression. Gather discharge summaries and test results in advance, and make a list of the medications you take. You will need a device with a camera, a stable internet connection and a private place.
The examination and tests needed to rule out organic diseases cannot be done online — new, changed or unevaluated symptoms require an in-person appointment with the relevant specialist. Whether prescription medications can be prescribed depends on the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the requirement for an initial examination. For acute chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, bleeding or fainting, call 103 or 112.
How we help
Comprehensive Assessment
The psychiatrist reviews the results of all tests already done, recommends any missing ones if needed, and makes sure a psychosomatic diagnosis is not made prematurely. At the same time, anxiety, depressive and other disorders that may be sustaining the physical symptoms are identified. The result is a clear model of where the complaints come from.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT for bodily distress disorder and somatoform disorders aims to change how sensations are interpreted, reduce excessive attention to the body, gradually restore activity and cut down on unnecessary tests. The course is delivered online and has proven effectiveness for chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome and functional complaints.
Working With Stress and the Body
Techniques that reduce physical tension are used: diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness practices and a gradual increase in physical activity. These skills are learned in video sessions and then used independently. They reduce the intensity of symptoms and increase your sense of control over your condition.
Medication Support
For severe anxiety, depression or chronic pain, the doctor may recommend medications from the antidepressant group, some of which also affect pain perception. Treatment is chosen taking into account physical illnesses and other medications. Prescribing and monitoring are done only by the doctor within the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Myths and facts
MythPsychosomatic means the symptoms are imaginary
FactPsychosomatic symptoms are real: pain, palpitations and digestive problems feel the same as in organic diseases. The difference lies in the mechanism — they are caused or intensified by psychological factors acting through the nervous and hormonal systems.
MythAny illness can be explained by psychosomatics
FactMany popular schemes linking specific diseases to particular emotions have no scientific support. Psychological factors influence the course of illnesses, but they do not replace medical diagnosis and treatment.
MythIf the cause is psychological, tests are not needed
FactThe psychosomatic nature of complaints is established only after organic causes have been ruled out. If new or changed symptoms appear, an in-person examination is necessary even during psychotherapy.
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 “Psychosomatic disorders: online consultation” 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
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
Which doctor treats psychosomatic disorders?
The assessment is carried out by a psychiatrist in coordination with a general practitioner and relevant specialists, and psychotherapy is provided by a psychotherapist. This joint work ensures that an organic disease is not missed while also targeting the psychological mechanisms behind the symptoms.
Can I be treated online?
Reviewing test results, the diagnostic interview, psychotherapy and follow-up are successfully carried out by video call. Examinations and tests to rule out organic causes are done in person with the relevant specialists. After that, the main treatment can continue remotely.
Why are my tests normal while the symptoms persist?
In functional and somatoform disorders, it is the regulation of how organs work that is disturbed, not their structure, so standard tests do not detect any changes. This does not mean the symptoms are imaginary. Treatment targets regulatory mechanisms, stress and anxiety.
How long does treatment last?
A course of psychotherapy usually consists of 10–20 sessions, which is 3 to 6 months. The first changes are often noticed after a few weeks. If the condition is long-standing or there is co-occurring depression, treatment may take longer and include medication.
Should I stop seeing other doctors?
No. Follow-up with your general practitioner and relevant specialists continues, especially if you have chronic illnesses. A Psychiatry Online psychiatrist helps you build a sensible testing plan so that nothing important is missed and unnecessary repeat checks are avoided.
Is the consultation confidential?
Information about the patient is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and is disclosed only in cases provided for by law. A video consultation with a psychiatrist in Kazakhstan takes place over a secure communication channel.
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
