Reviewed byArman Magzhanov, MDPsychiatrist, experience 24 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F23
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist from the mobile service, together with a narcologist in cases of intoxication
- Where
- A home visit, then usually inpatient care
- Duration
- Bringing acute psychosis under control takes from several days to weeks
- Anonymity
- No registry entry with paid anonymous treatment
- When it is urgent
- Aggression, threats, an attempt at self-harm — call 103 or 112 immediately
- Outcome
- Psychosis brought under control, its cause identified and a treatment plan made
What you should know
Psychosis is not a separate illness but a syndrome in which perception and judgment of reality are disrupted. Acute psychosis develops over hours or days and shows up as delusional ideas (of persecution, poisoning or special significance), hallucinations, incoherent speech, anxious or aggressive agitation, disturbed sleep and refusal to eat. ICD-10 classifies acute and transient psychotic disorders under category F23, but psychosis can also be a manifestation of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, intoxication or a physical illness.
In acute psychosis, you need to act quickly but calmly: the condition threatens the safety of the person and those around them, and the time until treatment starts affects the outlook. Help with psychosis in Karatau at Narcology 24 includes an urgent phone consultation for relatives, a psychiatrist home visit, a risk assessment and, as a rule, arranging hospital admission. The clinic's psychiatrist does not use coercive measures: involuntary hospitalization is possible only on the grounds established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan and with a court decision.
Signs of Acute Psychosis
- the person is convinced they are being persecuted, poisoned or watched, though there are no grounds for it
- they hear voices or see things that others don't and react to them
- speech becomes incoherent, thoughts jump around and it's hard to follow the meaning
- sudden agitation, aggression, fear or, conversely, complete slowing down
- several days in a row without sleep, refusing food and drink
- not recognizing loved ones, not understanding where they are, mixing up day and night
- the state arose during a drinking binge, alcohol withdrawal or substance use
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.
Causes of Acute Psychosis
Psychiatric causes include a first episode or relapse of schizophrenia, mania or severe depression with psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder, an acute transient psychotic disorder after severe stress, and postpartum psychosis. The latter develops in the first weeks after childbirth and requires emergency care, as it is dangerous for both mother and baby. The risk of psychosis is increased by lack of sleep, stress and stopping psychotropic medications on one's own.
Toxic and organic causes include alcohol withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens), which usually develops 2–4 days after a drinking binge ends; psychoses caused by stimulants, cannabinoids and synthetic drugs; and withdrawal from sleeping pills and sedatives. Psychosis can also occur with infections, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy and metabolic disorders, and in older people with dehydration and infections. That is why the doctor always rules out physical causes.
How Help Is Provided in Acute Psychosis
Procedure for help with psychosis in Karatau: 1) if there is a threat to life, call 103 or 112 at once; 2) call the clinic: the doctor on duty clarifies the symptoms, their duration and any substance use by phone or video and gives instructions until the team arrives; 3) a psychiatrist home visit, together with a narcologist in cases of intoxication; 4) assessment of the condition, the risk and the likely cause; 5) initial care and a decision on hospital admission; 6) once the psychosis is under control, clarification of the diagnosis and a plan for further treatment.
Treating acute psychosis at home is, as a rule, unsafe: round-the-clock monitoring, a workup and the ability to adjust treatment quickly are needed. Do not leave the person alone, give them alcohol or “sedatives” without a doctor's prescription, argue with their delusions or try to restrain them by force. In cases of aggression, threats, an attempt at self-harm, or signs of delirium with seizures, call 103 or 112.
How we help
Emergency assessment and stabilization
The doctor assesses the level of consciousness, orientation, the presence of delusions and hallucinations, the risk to the patient and others, and vital signs — blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and signs of dehydration and intoxication. Based on the results, a decision is made about where treatment will take place. Stabilization includes ensuring safety, a calm environment and, when indicated, medication to reduce agitation.
Medication treatment
In psychotic disorders, antipsychotics are the foundation of treatment; in alcohol withdrawal delirium and sedative withdrawal, a different approach is used, including IV drip therapy and medications to prevent seizures. The doctor chooses specific medications based on the cause, the patient's age and physical condition. You must never give a person in psychosis any medication on your own.
Inpatient treatment
In hospital, the patient receives round-the-clock monitoring, a workup to rule out organic causes — tests and, if needed, brain imaging and specialist consultations — selection of treatment and monitoring of its effectiveness. The length of the hospital stay depends on the cause and usually ranges from several days to several weeks. With the patient's consent, anonymous admission is possible.
Follow-up after psychosis
After an acute episode has been brought under control, a period of maintenance treatment and monitoring is important: the risk of another psychosis is especially high in the first months. The psychiatrist decides how long treatment should last and teaches the patient and family to recognize early signs of deterioration. If the psychosis is linked to substances, addiction treatment with a narcologist is provided in parallel.
Myths and facts
MythPsychosis will pass on its own if the person gets some sleep
FactSome psychoses really are short-lived, but it is impossible to predict this in advance. Without treatment, the condition can worsen, lead to dangerous actions or become life-threatening, as in delirium. An urgent medical assessment is needed.
MythYou need to talk a person in psychosis out of their beliefs
FactArguing with delusions is pointless and can increase anxiety and aggression. It is better to speak calmly and briefly, neither agreeing nor contradicting, to show that you care, to ensure safety and to call a doctor as quickly as possible.
MythAfter one psychosis, a person is ill forever
FactPsychosis can be a one-off episode — for example, linked to intoxication or severe stress — and may never recur if recommendations are followed. The outlook depends on the cause, how promptly treatment begins and whether the person stops using psychoactive substances.
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 Karatau
| Psychiatrist consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| Psychiatrist home visit | 32 000 ₸ |
| Family consultation | 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
“Acute psychosis: urgent help” in Karatau is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 96 Tauelsizdik St., Karatau and 155 Satpaeva St., Karatau. If you live elsewhere in Zhambyl Region, call us and we'll advise the fastest way to get help.
Confidential and private
in Karatau 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
What should I do if a loved one has developed psychosis?
Stay calm, do not leave them alone, and remove sharp objects, medications and car keys. Speak gently and briefly, and don't argue. If there is aggression, threats or a risk of self-harm, call 103 or 112 straight away. If there is no danger, request a psychiatrist home visit.
Can I call a psychiatrist to my home for psychosis?
Yes, a psychiatrist home visit for suspected psychosis in Karatau is available around the clock. The doctor will assess the condition and decide where treatment should take place. But if the person is a danger to themselves or others right now, you cannot wait — the 103 or 112 emergency service is needed.
How is delirium tremens different from other psychoses?
Alcohol withdrawal delirium usually develops 2–4 days after a long drinking binge ends and is accompanied by confusion, visual hallucinations, tremors, sweating, and a rise in blood pressure and temperature. It is a life-threatening condition that can only be treated in hospital.
Can a person be hospitalized without their consent?
Psychiatric care is provided on a voluntary basis. Involuntary hospitalization is allowed only in cases provided for by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan — for example, when there is an immediate danger to self or others — and is subject to judicial oversight. A private clinic does not use coercive measures.
How long does treatment of acute psychosis take?
Bringing the acute phase under control usually takes from several days to several weeks, depending on the cause. This is followed by a period of maintenance treatment, the length of which is determined by the psychiatrist. In substance-related psychosis, addiction treatment is provided in parallel.
Will I be put on a registry after a psychosis?
With paid anonymous treatment at Narcology 24, no dispensary registration is made. Information about your condition and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and is disclosed without consent only in cases expressly provided for by law.
Where do doctors visit in Karatau and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 96 Tauelsizdik St., Karatau and 155 Satpaeva St., Karatau. Phone in Karatau: +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
