Reviewed byArman Magzhanov, MDPsychiatrist, experience 24 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F41
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist and a psychotherapist
- Where
- In the office, by video call, or at home if needed
- Duration
- CBT 12–16 sessions, a medication course of 6–12 months or more
- Anonymity
- No ID and no registry entry, medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law
- When it is urgent
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Reduced anxiety, restored sleep and ability to work
What you should know
Anxiety is a normal reaction to a threat. It becomes a disorder when it arises without real danger, is out of proportion to the situation, lasts for months and lowers quality of life. In ICD-10, anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (F41.1), panic disorder (F41.0), mixed anxiety and depressive disorder, and phobic disorders (F40) — agoraphobia, social phobia and specific phobias. Each type has its own features and its own treatment priorities.
In generalized anxiety disorder, a person constantly worries about their health, work, loved ones and money, cannot “switch off” their thoughts, and experiences muscle tension, irritability and sleep problems. Anxiety disorder treatment in Arkalyk at Narcology 24 begins with an accurate diagnosis: the doctor rules out physical causes of anxiety — thyroid problems, arrhythmias, the effects of caffeine, medications or alcohol — and determines the type of disorder in order to choose a method with proven effectiveness.
Signs of an Anxiety Disorder
- constant worry about many different things that is hard to control
- muscle tension, headaches, trembling, a feeling of a “lump in the throat”
- irritability, impatience and tiring quickly
- difficulty falling asleep because thoughts keep going round and round
- a racing heart, sweating and stomach problems with no findings from doctors
- avoiding situations that trigger anxiety: travel, socializing, phone calls
- constantly expecting the worst and searching the internet for confirmation
If two or three points apply, it is worth seeing a doctor. Phone advice is free and confidential. If life is at risk, call 103 or 112.
Why Anxiety Disorders Develop
Risk factors include heredity and temperament, chronic stress, traumatic experiences — including in childhood — physical illnesses, overuse of alcohol, caffeine and stimulants, and withdrawal from certain medications. The disorder is maintained by a vicious circle: anxiety causes bodily sensations, the person interprets them as a threat, the anxiety grows, and they begin to avoid more and more situations.
Anxiety disorders often occur together with depression, insomnia and addictions: alcohol relieves tension for a short time, but the next day the anxiety gets worse. That is why the doctor always asks about alcohol and sedative use. Diagnosis is based on ICD-10 criteria and anxiety rating scales; generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by symptoms lasting at least several months.
How Anxiety Disorder Treatment Works
The stages: 1) an initial psychiatric consultation — in person or online — with an interview, anxiety scales and an assessment of any co-existing depression; 2) recommendations on tests — ECG, thyroid hormones, complete blood count; 3) choosing treatment: psychotherapy, medication or a combination; 4) regular sessions with a psychotherapist, with homework between sessions; 5) follow-up visits to the psychiatrist every 2–4 weeks; 6) gradual completion of the course with a prevention plan.
Anxiety disorder in Arkalyk is usually treated on an outpatient basis. Exceptions are severe co-existing depression with suicidal thoughts and dependence on alcohol or sedatives requiring detox. New chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting requires heart conditions to be ruled out first: with these symptoms, call 103 or 112 before anything else.
How we help
Cognitive behavioral therapy
CBT is the first-line treatment for anxiety disorders according to NICE guidelines. The patient learns to notice anxious thoughts, test how realistic they are, gradually stop avoiding things and practice skills for managing tension. A course usually takes 12–16 sessions and is effective both in person and online. The psychotherapist does not prescribe medication.
Medication treatment
For severe anxiety, the psychiatrist may prescribe medications from the antidepressant class, which are also used to treat anxiety disorders. The effect develops over several weeks. Benzodiazepines are prescribed only by a doctor, for a short course, because of the risk of dependence; taking “sedatives” on your own without supervision is dangerous.
Self-help skills
The patient learns breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, attention-shifting techniques and scheduling a dedicated “worry time.” Sleep, caffeine, alcohol and physical activity are discussed. These skills do not replace treatment, but they noticeably speed up progress and help prevent flare-ups after the course is completed.
Ongoing support and prevention
After improvement, treatment continues to consolidate the result: stopping therapy as soon as you feel better often leads to symptoms returning. The psychiatrist decides how long to continue and how to taper medications, and the psychotherapist helps draw up an action plan for new stress and early signs of anxiety.
Myths and facts
MythAnxiety is a personality trait — it can't be cured
FactAnxiousness as a temperament trait really is individual, but an anxiety disorder is an illness that responds well to treatment. With modern therapy, most patients notice significant improvement within a few months.
MythThe best remedy for anxiety is sedative pills
FactUncontrolled use of sedatives, especially benzodiazepines, can lead to dependence and increased anxiety when they are stopped. The basis of treatment is psychotherapy and, if needed, medication prescribed by a doctor with a clear plan for taking it.
MythIf the test results are normal, there's nothing wrong
FactNormal test results with physical symptoms of anxiety are very common. They don't mean the person is “making it up” — they are a reason to have their condition assessed by a psychiatrist. An anxiety disorder really does cause palpitations, pain and digestive problems.
How a home visit works
- Call or message usThe dispatcher answers 24/7 and in 3–5 minutes checks the person's condition, age, how long the drinking or use has lasted, chronic conditions and the address. No surname needed.
- The doctor sets offAn addiction doctor or psychiatrist comes with equipment and medication. Travel time depends on the district — usually within an hour. If inpatient care or an ambulance is needed, we'll say so straight away.
- Examination and treatmentBlood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood sugar if needed and a neurological check. Then an IV drip or other treatment as indicated, 1–3 hours.
- A plan for the next daysAdvice for the family on what to do overnight and tomorrow, phone follow-up and a repeat visit if needed.
- Further treatmentCoding, psychotherapy, rehab or psychiatric follow-up — once the acute state has passed and the person is ready.
Prices in Arkalyk
| Psychiatrist consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up consultation | 9 500 ₸ |
| Psychotherapy session (50 min) | 12 000 ₸ |
| Phone advice | free |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
In arkalyk you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (129 Altynsarina St., office 27, Arkalyk, 26 Gagarina St., Arkalyk) or online if you need a consultation rather than a procedure. The dispatcher answers 24/7 and will tell you straight away which option is safest.
Confidential and private
Information about your request, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We do not share it with employers, schools, the police or neighbours; the only exceptions are those expressly set by law. A first name is enough to call us, and paid confidential treatment does not mean a registry entry.
Questions and answers
How can I tell an anxiety disorder from ordinary nervousness?
Ordinary nervousness is linked to a specific situation and passes once it is over. A disorder is characterized by prolonged, excessive anxiety that interferes with work, sleep and social life and comes with physical symptoms. If this lasts for weeks or months, it is worth seeing a psychiatrist.
Can an anxiety disorder be treated online?
Yes. A diagnostic consultation, psychotherapy and follow-up all work well by video call. Online anxiety disorder treatment in Arkalyk is convenient for people who find it hard to leave home. If tests are needed, the doctor will give you a referral and explain what to have done.
How long does treatment take?
A course of CBT usually involves 3–4 months of weekly sessions. Medication treatment, if prescribed, continues for at least 6–12 months after improvement. Timelines are individual and depend on the type of disorder, how long it has lasted and any co-existing conditions.
Can I drive during treatment?
Many patients continue to drive, but some medications cause drowsiness and slow reaction times at the start of a course. The doctor will warn you for how long you should avoid driving and will choose treatment that takes your work and lifestyle into account.
Does alcohol help relieve anxiety?
Only briefly. The next day the anxiety gets worse and sleep deteriorates, and regularly using alcohol as a sedative can lead to dependence. If you notice this habit in yourself, tell your doctor — at Narcology 24 you can get help with both problems.
Do I need to be registered if I have an anxiety disorder?
No. Paid anonymous treatment with a psychiatrist is carried out without registration on the dispensary registry. Information about your visit is protected by medical confidentiality and is not shared with your employer or relatives without your consent, except in cases expressly specified by Kazakhstan law.
Where do doctors visit in Arkalyk and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 129 Altynsarina St., office 27, Arkalyk and 26 Gagarina St., Arkalyk. Phone in Arkalyk: +7 (700) 309-30-65.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Narcology 24 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) guidelines on alcohol and drug misuse and mental health conditions
- WHO recommendations on the treatment of substance use disorders
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
