Acute psychosis: urgent help in Astana

Reviewed byArman Magzhanov, MDPsychiatrist, experience 24 years · updated 8 Nov 2026

Key facts

ICD-10 code

F23

Who conducts it

A psychiatrist; when linked to substance use, together with an addiction medicine specialist (narcologist)

Where

A home visit, followed by inpatient or outpatient treatment as indicated

Duration

The acute state is brought under control within days or weeks, followed by treatment of the underlying cause

Anonymity

Medical confidentiality, treatment with no registration at the state dispensary

When it's urgent

Aggression, a weapon, suicidal actions, seizures, or a high fever — call 103 or 112

Outcome

Safety for the person and the family, control of the psychosis, identification of the cause, and a treatment plan

What you should know

Psychosis almost always catches the family off guard. Just yesterday a husband was simply tired and sleeping poorly, and tonight he is barricading the door, insisting that they have come for him, and doesn't recognize his wife. A mother, after several sleepless days and nights, talks to deceased relatives; a brother, after using synthetic blends, rushes around the apartment and peers out the window, afraid of being followed. The family panics and doesn't know whether to call an ambulance, the police, or a psychiatrist, or how to talk to the person without making things worse.

The most important thing loved ones need to know: psychosis is a medical emergency that can be treated, and you need to act quickly but calmly. At Narcology 24, psychiatrists make home visits around the clock throughout Astana — to the left and right banks, the Saryarka, Nura, and Almaty districts, and the suburbs of Kosshy and Koyandy. While the doctor is on the way, you will be advised by phone on how to keep the person and yourself safe. If there is a direct threat to life, call 103 or 112 immediately.

Signs of Acute Psychosis That Relatives Notice

• the person is sure they are being persecuted or that someone wants to poison or kill them
• they hear voices or see things that aren't there and answer invisible people
• they don't understand where they are, mix up the time, and don't recognize loved ones
• they speak incoherently, with confusing thoughts, or suddenly fall silent and freeze
• they are extremely agitated, rush around, and haven't slept for several days in a row
• they shut themselves in, barricade doors, hide, and refuse food and water
• they make threats against themselves or others or hear orders to cause harm

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.

What Can Cause Acute Psychosis

Psychosis is not a diagnosis in itself but a state that can have various causes. It may be a first episode or a relapse of schizophrenia, a manic or depressive phase of bipolar disorder, severe depression with delusions, or an acute and transient psychotic disorder after severe stress. Psychosis is often triggered by the use of stimulants, synthetic substances, or cannabinoids, as well as by abruptly stopping long-term alcohol use — alcohol withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens).

Physical causes can produce similar states too: infections with a high fever, traumatic brain injury, metabolic disorders, thyroid disease, side effects of certain medications, and dementia in older people. That is why it is important for relatives to tell the doctor everything they know: what the person has taken, whether they have been drinking, and whether there have been injuries or illnesses. This determines who will provide treatment and where.

How we help

Myths and facts

How a home visit works

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Further treatmentCoding, psychotherapy, rehab or psychiatric follow-up — once the acute state has passed and the person is ready.

Prices in Astana

The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.

Where to get help

In astana you can get help at home, at one of our two branches (6 Auezova St., office 37, Astana, 176 Imanova St., Astana) 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

in Astana our doctor can come in ordinary clothes in an unmarked car. Treatment documents are given only to the patient. If you need a certificate or sick note, this is discussed separately and only at your request.

Questions and answers