Reviewed by: Assel Omarova, MD, psychiatrist and addiction specialist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- R45.3
- Who provides care
- A psychiatrist; a psychotherapist, neurologist or endocrinologist when indicated
- Format
- Video consultation; lab tests and neurological examination in person on the doctor’s referral
- Duration
- Initial appointment about 50 minutes; the further plan depends on the cause identified
- Confidentiality
- Medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- When it is urgent
- Refusing food and drink, thoughts of death, confusion — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- An understanding of what causes the apathy, a plan for tests and treatment, and a return of interest and activity
What you should know
Apathy is not a separate disease but a syndrome: a persistent decline in motivation, interest and emotional response that cannot be explained by tiredness alone. In ICD-10 it is listed as a symptom under code R45.3, but in clinical practice the doctor first looks for the condition causing it. Apathy occurs in depression, burnout, schizophrenia, after traumatic brain injuries, in neurodegenerative diseases, hypothyroidism and other illnesses.
At Psychiatry Online, consultations about apathy are carried out by a psychiatrist via video call. The online format lowers the barrier to seeking help: a person with apathy may find it hard to get ready and travel to a clinic, while a video appointment is available from home at any time. An online psychiatric consultation in Zhezkazgan makes it possible to understand the causes, assess severity and risks, and then decide which tests need to be done in person and which treatment is right for the specific case.
What Apathy Looks Like: Signs and Symptoms
- indifference to activities that used to bring pleasure or interest
- reduced initiative: it is hard to start even simple everyday tasks
- emotional blunting, a weak reaction to both good and bad events
- less social contact, avoiding meetings and conversations with loved ones
- neglecting household chores, personal hygiene, work or study
- a feeling of emptiness and absence of desires, not just sadness
- these changes persisting for several weeks or longer
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 Apathy
The most common mental health causes of apathy are depressive disorders, dysthymia, burnout and severe chronic stress. Apathy is part of the so-called negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and it is seen after severely traumatic events and in addictions. Sometimes it is linked to side effects of medications, such as certain psychotropic drugs, in which case the doctor needs to adjust the treatment.
Physical and neurological causes form an important group: hypothyroidism, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, chronic infections, the after-effects of stroke and traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. In older adults, apathy can be one of the early signs of cognitive decline. That is why the assessment includes not only a conversation with a psychiatrist but also lab tests and, if necessary, an examination by a neurologist.
What to Expect From an Online Consultation for Apathy
During the video appointment, the doctor asks about when the changes began and how long they have lasted, as well as about sleep, appetite, mood, thoughts about the future, alcohol and medication use, and chronic illnesses. Questionnaires are used to assess depression and motivation. If the person finds it hard to describe their state, a family member can join the conversation with their consent. You will need a device with a camera, a stable internet connection and a place where you can speak freely.
Lab tests, a neurological examination and brain imaging cannot be done online — if a physical or neurological cause is suspected, the doctor will refer you for an in-person examination. Whether prescription medications can be prescribed depends on the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the requirement for an initial examination. Refusing food and drink, confusion or thoughts of death require urgent in-person help: call 103 or 112.
How we help
Finding the Cause
The first step is to determine which condition the apathy is a symptom of. The doctor distinguishes it from depression, in which sadness and despair predominate, from fatigue and from cognitive impairment. Based on the interview, blood tests, thyroid function tests and, if necessary, a neurologist consultation are ordered. The choice of treatment depends on how accurate this stage is.
Treating the Underlying Disorder
If apathy is caused by depression, psychotherapy and, when indicated, antidepressants are used; for burnout, the focus is on workload and recovery; for physical causes, treatment is provided by the relevant specialist. If apathy is linked to side effects of medications, the treating doctor reviews the regimen. You should not stop prescribed medications on your own.
Behavioral Activation
A cognitive behavioral therapy technique in which activity is restored gradually, in small steps, regardless of whether you feel like it. Motivation often follows action rather than preceding it. The activity plan is drawn up together with the psychotherapist, and progress and changes in mood are discussed during regular video sessions.
Family Support and Daily Routine
It is important for loved ones to understand that apathy is a manifestation of a condition, not laziness, and that reproaches usually make the person withdraw further. Gently involving them in shared activities, helping them keep a regular sleep and eating routine, and accompanying them to medical tests all help. The doctor can hold a separate consultation for family members on how to support the person.
Myths and facts
MythApathy is laziness — you just need to pull yourself together
FactLaziness is a situational choice, whereas apathy is a reduced ability to feel interest and initiate action. It is often linked to depression or physical or neurological illness, and willpower alone without treating the cause usually achieves little.
MythApathy will go away on its own after a vacation
FactIf indifference is caused by short-term exhaustion, rest really does help. But if apathy persists for weeks despite rest, it is a reason to see a doctor and rule out depression and physical causes.
MythOnly a psychologist can help with apathy
FactPsychotherapy is important, but apathy can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, anemia or neurological disease, or a side effect of medication. That is why the initial assessment is carried out by a doctor, who orders tests and involves other specialists when needed.
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 Zhezkazgan
| 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 “Apathy: online consultation” is available to people across Ulytau Region 24/7 — from home, work or while travelling. For an in-person visit, Psychiatry Online in Zhezkazgan has two branches: 65 Esenberlina St., office 30, Zhezkazgan and 81 Gagarina St., office 20, Zhezkazgan. 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
When is apathy a reason to see a doctor?
If indifference and low motivation last longer than two weeks, interfere with work, study, self-care or relationships, or are accompanied by changes in sleep or appetite or thoughts that life is meaningless. Urgent help is needed if there are thoughts of death or refusal to eat: call 103, 112 or 150.
How is apathy different from depression?
In depression, sadness, guilt and hopelessness are often the leading symptoms, whereas in apathy indifference comes to the fore. Nevertheless, apathy is often part of the picture of depression. A psychiatrist consultation helps tell these conditions apart and identify their cause.
Can the cause of apathy be found online?
In many cases, the doctor reaches a preliminary conclusion during the video appointment and decides which tests are needed. Lab tests and the neurological examination are done in person. Once the results are in, treatment and follow-up can continue online.
What should I prepare for the consultation?
A list of the medications you take, recent test results and information about chronic illnesses. It helps to note in advance when the apathy began, what preceded it and how it affects your daily life. If it is hard to describe your state, you can invite someone close to you to join the conversation.
Can a relative book an appointment for a person with apathy?
A relative can book an appointment and ask questions, but the consultation is held with the consent of the person themselves if they have legal capacity. Involuntary psychiatric care is possible only in the manner established by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan. A Psychiatry Online doctor can separately advise the family on how to offer help.
How anonymous is it to seek help?
A video consultation with a psychiatrist in Zhezkazgan takes place over a secure channel, and information about the patient is protected by medical confidentiality. It may be disclosed only in cases provided for by the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” For the initial appointment, all you need is the name you would like to be called and a way to contact you.
Where can I be seen in Zhezkazgan?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 65 Esenberlina St., office 30, Zhezkazgan and 81 Gagarina St., office 20, Zhezkazgan. 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