Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F31
- Who provides care
- A psychiatrist; a psychotherapist and, when indicated, other specialists join as needed
- Format
- Video consultation over a secure connection; follow-up visits online, in-person examination when indicated
- Duration
- Initial appointment 50–60 minutes; maintenance treatment is long-term, usually months to years
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”; you do not have to give your full name
- When it is urgent
- Suicidal thoughts, psychotic symptoms or dangerous behavior during mania — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- A clarified diagnosis, a treatment plan, more stable mood and fewer episodes
What you should know
Bipolar affective disorder (BD) is coded F31 in ICD-10, while ICD-11 distinguishes bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder and cyclothymia. Its hallmark is a shift between phases: depressive phases, with low mood and reduced energy, and manic or hypomanic phases, with elevated mood, racing thoughts and a reduced need for sleep. The course is episodic, and the length of the phases and the intervals between them varies greatly from person to person.
At Psychiatry Online, care for bipolar disorder is provided by psychiatrists through video consultations available around the clock. The online format is convenient for clarifying your history, tracking mood with a diary, adjusting maintenance treatment, and teaching patients and their families to recognize early signs of a new episode. Online psychiatric care in Stepnogorsk does not fully replace an in-person examination: severe mania, psychotic symptoms or a risk to life require in-person care or hospital admission.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
- periods of persistently low mood, loss of interest and lack of energy lasting two weeks or longer
- episodes of unusually elevated or irritable mood with an excess of energy
- a reduced need for sleep without feeling tired during the “high” phase
- rapid speech and racing thoughts, jumping from topic to topic, difficulty concentrating
- impulsive spending, risky decisions and actions the person later regrets
- inflated self-esteem and ideas of being exceptional or special during the high phase
- shifts between phases that others notice and that disrupt work, study and relationships
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
Bipolar disorder has a strong hereditary component: the risk is higher in people whose first-degree relatives have bipolar disorder or recurrent depression. Disturbances in neurotransmitter systems and in the regulation of circadian rhythms are thought to play a role. No single cause has been identified; the current model views the disorder as the result of an interaction between biological vulnerability and external factors.
The onset or a relapse can be triggered by acute stress, sleep deprivation and a disrupted sleep schedule, travel across time zones, and the use of alcohol and psychoactive substances. Some antidepressants taken without a mood stabilizer can cause a switch into mania, which is why it is important to rule out a bipolar pattern when treating depression. Relapses are also linked to the postpartum period and to stopping prescribed treatment without medical advice.
What to Expect From an Online Appointment for Bipolar Disorder
The video consultation takes place over a secure connection; you will need a device with a camera, a stable internet connection and a place where no one else can overhear you. The doctor asks about the history of your episodes, how long they lasted, whether there were psychotic symptoms, any other medical conditions and the medications you take. It helps to prepare discharge summaries, test results and a mood diary for the past few weeks in advance. At the end, the diagnosis, a plan for further tests and ongoing follow-up are discussed.
Laboratory monitoring, which is required with a number of mood stabilizers, cannot be done online — blood tests are taken in person. Whether prescription medications can be prescribed depends on the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the requirement for an initial in-person examination. Mania with dangerous behavior, psychotic symptoms or suicidal thoughts call for a home visit by a doctor, in-person care or hospital admission; in an emergency, call 103 or 112.
How we help
Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on a clinical interview, a review of the history of episodes and standardized questionnaires. It is important to distinguish bipolar disorder from recurrent depression, personality disorders, attention deficit disorder and substance-induced conditions. Online, the doctor takes a detailed history and, if needed, refers you for tests and examinations that help rule out physical causes of mood changes.
Medication
Mood stabilizers are the mainstay of treatment; second-generation antipsychotics are used when indicated, and antidepressants only with caution and under supervision. The choice of medication and the monitoring of tolerability and lab results are decided by the doctor. Stopping treatment on your own increases the risk of relapse, so any changes to the regimen are discussed only with the specialist at a scheduled consultation.
Psychoeducation and Psychotherapy
International guidelines include psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. Patients learn to recognize early signs of an episode, keep a regular sleep and activity routine, and draw up an action plan for relapses. These sessions work well online and complement medication, but do not replace it.
Follow-Up and Relapse Prevention
The maintenance phase of treatment is long and involves regular check-ups, keeping a mood and sleep diary, and avoiding alcohol and psychoactive substances. Video consultations make it easier not to miss appointments and to discuss the first signs of deterioration quickly. With the patient’s consent, family members can be involved to help notice changes in the person’s condition.
Myths and facts
MythBipolar disorder is just frequent mood swings
FactEveryone’s mood fluctuates during the day. In bipolar disorder, we are talking about episodes that last days and weeks, change sleep, energy, thinking and behavior, and disrupt everyday functioning. The diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist using established clinical criteria.
MythOnce you feel better, you can stop the medication
FactImprovement often means the treatment is working. Stopping mood stabilizers on your own carries a high risk of episodes returning, including severe ones. Any decision to reduce or stop treatment is made together with the doctor, taking the history of the illness into account.
MythA normal life is impossible with bipolar disorder
FactWith timely diagnosis, maintenance treatment and a steady daily routine, many people with bipolar disorder work, study and maintain relationships. Regular follow-up and an early response to signs of relapse are key.
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 Stepnogorsk
| 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 “Bipolar disorder treatment online” is available to people across Akmola Region 24/7 — from home, work or while travelling. For an in-person visit, Psychiatry Online in Stepnogorsk has two branches: 153 Tselinnaya St., Stepnogorsk and 153 Abaya St., office 22, Stepnogorsk. Doctor home visits: 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
Can bipolar disorder be diagnosed online?
The doctor makes a preliminary assessment during the video appointment: takes a history, evaluates episodes and symptoms, and uses questionnaires. A final conclusion may require lab tests, information from medical records and observation over time. Sometimes the diagnosis is not confirmed immediately but becomes clearer during follow-up.
Will I get a prescription after an online consultation?
This depends on the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the requirement for an initial in-person examination for a particular group of medications. During the consultation, the doctor will explain which treatments can be arranged remotely and which will require an in-person visit. Promises of a “prescription in a few minutes” are not consistent with the rules for providing medical care.
How can family members tell that mania is starting?
Early signs often include sleeping less without feeling tired, rapid speech, irritability, lots of new plans and risky spending. It is useful to draw up a list of personal warning signs and an action plan with the doctor in advance. If there is dangerous behavior or psychotic symptoms, call 103 or 112.
How long does treatment for bipolar disorder last?
Bringing an acute episode under control usually takes weeks or months, followed by long-term maintenance treatment. International guidelines regard bipolar disorder as a chronic condition that requires many years of follow-up. The duration and intensity of treatment are decided individually.
Can I drink alcohol if I have bipolar disorder?
Alcohol and psychoactive substances increase the risk of relapse, disrupt sleep and may interact with prescribed medications. That is why people with bipolar disorder are advised to avoid them. If you find it hard to control your drinking or substance use, you can get an online consultation with an addiction specialist (narcologist) at Psychiatry Online.
Is a video consultation with a psychiatrist anonymous?
Information about the patient is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” Disclosure is allowed only in cases expressly provided for by law. For an initial online psychiatrist consultation in Stepnogorsk, all you need to give is the name you would like to be called and a way to contact you.
Where can I be seen in Stepnogorsk?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 153 Tselinnaya St., Stepnogorsk and 153 Abaya St., office 22, Stepnogorsk. 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
