Reviewed byArman Magzhanov, MDPsychiatrist, experience 24 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F31
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist, with a psychotherapist on the team
- Where
- Online, in the office, home visits; inpatient care in severe mania
- Duration
- Weeks to bring an episode under control, years of maintenance treatment
- Anonymity
- No registry entry, medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law
- When it is urgent
- Severe mania, psychosis, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Stable mood and prevention of new episodes
What you should know
Bipolar disorder (F31 in ICD-10) is defined by at least two episodes of mood disturbance, at least one of which is manic, hypomanic or mixed. Mania is a state of elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, a reduced need for sleep, rapid speech, an inflated sense of one's abilities and risky behavior. Hypomania is a milder form. Depressive phases look similar to ordinary depression and often last longer than manic ones.
The main difficulty is diagnosis: people usually seek help when they are depressed and do not see their “highs” as illness, regarding them as productive periods. If such depression is treated with antidepressants alone, it can trigger mania or more frequent episodes. Bipolar disorder treatment in Kyzylorda at Narcology 24 begins with a thorough history, including information from loved ones, and is built as a long-term partnership between the patient and the psychiatrist, aimed at mood stability.
Signs of Bipolar Disorder
- periods of unusual energy when 3–4 hours of sleep is enough and you don't feel tired
- rapid speech, racing thoughts, many projects started at the same time
- reckless spending, taking out loans and risky actions during a “high”
- irritability and quarrelsomeness during periods of increased energy
- episodes of deep depression that follow periods of elevated mood
- depression that doesn't lift, or gets worse, on antidepressants
- cases of bipolar disorder or severe depression among blood relatives
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 and Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder has a strong hereditary component: the risk is significantly higher in people whose blood relatives have had the condition. A first episode or a relapse can be triggered by chronic sleep deprivation, crossing time zones, stress, childbirth, alcohol and stimulant use, and certain medications, including antidepressants taken without a mood stabilizer. First episodes most often occur in adolescence and young adulthood.
In clinical practice, bipolar I disorder, in which there have been full manic episodes, is distinguished from bipolar II disorder, in which the highs are limited to hypomania while the depressions are severe and prolonged; bipolar II in particular often goes unrecognized for a long time. Rapid cycling — four or more episodes a year — and mixed states, in which signs of mania and depression occur at the same time, are identified separately.
How Bipolar Disorder Treatment Works: Step by Step
Stages of bipolar disorder treatment in Kyzylorda: 1) a diagnostic consultation — in person, at home or online — with a detailed history of episodes and, with the patient's consent, a conversation with loved ones; 2) recommendations on tests: blood tests and kidney and thyroid function before certain medications are prescribed; 3) bringing the current episode under control; 4) selecting maintenance treatment; 5) psychoeducation and a mood diary; 6) regular visits, laboratory monitoring and an action plan for early signs of relapse.
Treatment at home is not acceptable in severe mania with loss of insight, dangerous behavior or psychotic symptoms, or in depression with suicidal intentions. In these cases, hospital admission is needed, and if there is a threat to life, call 103 or 112. Involuntary hospitalization is possible only on the grounds established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan and requires a subsequent court decision; the clinic does not hospitalize anyone by force.
How we help
Mood stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment. They are used to bring episodes under control and, most importantly, to prevent new ones. Some medications in this class require regular monitoring of blood levels and organ function. The psychiatrist selects treatment individually, taking into account the type of bipolar disorder, co-existing illnesses and any pregnancy plans.
Antipsychotics and other medications
Atypical antipsychotics are used in mania, mixed states and bipolar depression, and for maintenance treatment. In bipolar disorder, antidepressants are used with caution and, as a rule, only together with a mood stabilizer so as not to trigger a switch into mania. The regimen is reviewed as the condition changes, and decisions are made together with the patient.
Psychoeducation and psychotherapy
The patient and family learn how bipolar disorder runs its course, which early signs herald an episode — for example, sleeping less or speaking faster — and what to do at that moment. CBT, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy and family psychoeducation are used. These approaches, combined with medication, have been shown to reduce the frequency of relapses.
Routine and relapse prevention
A stable sleep schedule is one of the most important protections against new episodes. Avoiding alcohol and stimulants, taking care when crossing time zones or working night shifts, and keeping a mood diary are recommended. A written action plan for early signs of a high or a low is drawn up, with the doctor's contact details, and both the patient and their loved ones know it.
Myths and facts
MythBipolar disorder is just frequent mood swings
FactEveryone's mood fluctuates during the day. Bipolar disorder involves episodes lasting days, weeks or months, with changes in sleep, energy, behavior and thinking. It is a medical diagnosis made by a psychiatrist.
MythOnce you feel better, you can stop the medication
FactStopping maintenance treatment on your own is one of the main causes of bipolar relapses. Treatment is reduced and stopped only on the doctor's decision, gradually and with monitoring. Long-term preventive treatment is recommended for many patients.
MythWith bipolar disorder you can't work or have a family
FactWith properly selected treatment and a consistent routine, many people with bipolar disorder stay stable for years, work, start families and raise children. The key is regular follow-up and responding early to signs of relapse.
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 Kyzylorda
| Psychiatrist consultation | 13 500 ₸ |
| Psychiatrist home visit | 36 000 ₸ |
| Family consultation | 13 500 ₸ |
| 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
“Bipolar disorder treatment” in Kyzylorda is available 24/7, including weekends. Home visits: all city districts and nearby settlements. For appointments, Narcology 24 has two branches: 169 Auezova St., Kyzylorda and 24 Zheltoksan St., Kyzylorda. If you live elsewhere in Kyzylorda Region, call us and we'll advise the fastest way to get help.
Confidential and private
in Kyzylorda 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
How can I tell bipolar disorder from ordinary depression?
By whether there have been episodes of elevated mood in the past: periods of unusual energy, little need for sleep, rapid speech and impulsive spending. People often don't notice these themselves, so the psychiatrist also asks their loved ones. An accurate diagnosis matters because bipolar disorder is treated differently from depression.
Is bipolar disorder treatment lifelong?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, and long-term maintenance treatment is recommended for many patients. How long it lasts is discussed individually, taking into account the number and severity of past episodes. The goal is the longest possible remission with minimal side effects.
Can I see a psychiatrist online if I have bipolar disorder?
Yes, follow-up consultations by video call are convenient for stable patients: the doctor assesses mood, sleep and side effects. Online follow-up for bipolar disorder in Kyzylorda is supplemented by scheduled laboratory monitoring. If there are signs of relapse, an in-person examination is needed.
Can I get pregnant if I have bipolar disorder?
Yes, but the pregnancy needs to be planned together with your psychiatrist: some mood stabilizers are contraindicated during pregnancy, and the postpartum period is a time of high relapse risk. The doctor will help choose a safe regimen and a monitoring plan for before and after the birth.
What should I do if a loved one is in a manic episode?
Don't argue, speak calmly, and limit access to money and the car if their behavior is risky. Contact a psychiatrist. If the person is aggressive, has not slept for several days, speaks incoherently or threatens themselves or others, call 103 or 112.
Will I be put on a registry if I have bipolar disorder?
With paid anonymous treatment at Narcology 24, no dispensary registration is made. Information about your diagnosis 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 the patient's consent only in cases expressly provided for by law.
Where do doctors visit in Kyzylorda and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 169 Auezova St., Kyzylorda and 24 Zheltoksan St., Kyzylorda. Phone in Kyzylorda: +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
