Reviewed byArman Magzhanov, MDPsychiatrist, experience 24 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F20
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist and a psychotherapist, with work involving the family
- Where
- Home visits, office, online follow-up; inpatient care during a relapse
- Duration
- Weeks to bring a relapse under control, years of maintenance treatment
- Anonymity
- No registry entry with paid anonymous treatment
- When it is urgent
- Aggression, danger to self or others, refusing food — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Remission, lower risk of relapse and social adjustment
What you should know
Schizophrenia (F20 in ICD-10) is an illness in which perception of reality and thinking are disrupted. Doctors distinguish positive symptoms — delusions (fixed false beliefs, for example of being persecuted or controlled), hallucinations (most often auditory “voices”) and disorganized speech and behavior — from negative symptoms: reduced motivation, emotional flatness and social withdrawal. In many patients, attention, memory and planning are also affected.
Schizophrenia does not mean “split personality,” and it does not by definition make a person dangerous. With timely and consistent treatment, many patients achieve lasting remission, work and live independently. Schizophrenia treatment in Zhitikara at Narcology 24 is based on cooperation between the psychiatrist, the patient and the family: selecting antipsychotic treatment with minimal side effects, learning to recognize early signs of relapse, psychosocial support and regular follow-up.
Signs That May Point to Schizophrenia
- the person hears voices that others don't hear and talks to them
- an unfounded certainty of being watched, persecuted or having their thoughts controlled
- speech becomes incoherent, thoughts break off or “jump” from topic to topic
- strange behavior, unusual rituals and inappropriate emotional reactions
- gradually giving up studies, work and social contact, neglecting hygiene
- emotional coldness, indifference to loved ones and former interests
- in the prodromal period — anxiety, insomnia, suspiciousness, declining performance at school or work
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 Course of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia develops through a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The risk is increased by the illness in blood relatives, complications of pregnancy and childbirth, childhood trauma, use of cannabinoids and stimulants in adolescence and young adulthood, and chronic stress. The illness most often first appears between the ages of 15 and 35. Bad parenting or the parents' character do not cause schizophrenia.
The course varies: from a single episode with full remission to a continuous, progressive course. Relapses are often preceded by a prodrome — a period of growing anxiety, insomnia, suspiciousness and withdrawal. Common causes of relapse are stopping treatment on one's own, using psychoactive substances and chronic sleep deprivation. The earlier treatment is started after the first episode, the better the outlook.
How Schizophrenia Treatment Works: Step by Step
Stages of schizophrenia treatment in Zhitikara: 1) an online consultation for relatives to assess the situation and its urgency; 2) a psychiatrist home visit or an appointment at the clinic; 3) assessment of the condition, ruling out physical and toxic causes of psychosis, and recommendations on tests; 4) selection of antipsychotic treatment; 5) once the condition stabilizes, a transition to maintenance treatment; 6) psychoeducation for the patient and family; 7) regular follow-up, including online, with monitoring of side effects.
Treatment at home is not possible during a severe relapse with dangerous behavior, refusal of food and water, threats to self or others, or a lack of care. Hospital admission is then needed, and if there is a direct threat, call 103 or 112. Involuntary hospitalization is allowed only on the grounds established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with mandatory judicial oversight. The clinic does not use coercive measures.
How we help
Antipsychotic treatment
Antipsychotics are the foundation of schizophrenia treatment according to WHO and NICE recommendations. They reduce delusions and hallucinations and lower the risk of relapse. The medication is chosen based on the symptoms, past experience of treatment, side effects and the patient's preferences. For those who find it hard to take medication every day, long-acting forms are available. Monitoring of weight, metabolism and movement side effects is mandatory.
Psychosocial rehabilitation
This includes social skills training, cognitive training, help with returning to study or work, and restoring independence in everyday life. These measures are especially important for negative symptoms, which medications affect less. The goal is not only to remove symptoms but also to give the person back an active life.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis helps the patient relate differently to voices and distressing beliefs, reduce distress and develop coping strategies. It is used alongside medication, not instead of it. The psychotherapist works in coordination with the treating psychiatrist and does not prescribe medication.
Working with the family
Family psychoeducation programs, as recommended by NICE, reduce the frequency of relapses. Relatives learn about the illness, early signs of relapse, ways of communicating without conflict or criticism, how to support treatment and how to look after themselves. Family consultations are available online, including without the patient taking part.
Myths and facts
MythPeople with schizophrenia are dangerous
FactThe vast majority of people with schizophrenia are not violent; they are more often victims themselves. The risk of aggression rises mainly when there is no treatment and when alcohol or drugs are used, which is exactly why consistent treatment matters.
MythSchizophrenia is a split personality
FactThis is a common misconception. “Split personality” refers to a dissociative disorder, which is a completely different condition. Schizophrenia involves disturbed perception of reality and thinking, not the presence of several personalities.
MythSchizophrenia can't be treated — the person is doomed
FactWhen treatment starts early and continues consistently, many patients achieve long-term remission and remain socially active. Modern antipsychotics and rehabilitation programs have significantly improved the outlook.
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 Zhitikara
| 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
Narcology 24 in Zhitikara: our duty team makes home visits day and night, usually within an hour (all city districts and nearby settlements). Two branches for appointments and procedures — 176 Lenina St., Zhitikara and Building 39, Microdistrict 6, Zhitikara. When indicated, we arrange admission and transport.
Confidential and private
in Zhitikara 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 is schizophrenia diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist on the basis of a clinical interview, observation, information from loved ones and ICD-10 criteria. Organic causes of psychosis — intoxication, infections, tumors, epilepsy — must be ruled out, and tests and consultations with other specialists are ordered for this purpose.
What should I do if a loved one refuses treatment?
Start with a psychiatrist consultation for relatives. The doctor will explain how to talk to the person without arguing with their delusional ideas, and what can be offered based on their own complaints — insomnia, anxiety, fatigue. If there is a threat to life, call 103 or 112.
Can the pills be stopped if everything is fine?
Stopping antipsychotics on your own is the main cause of repeated relapses. The decision to reduce or stop medication is made by the psychiatrist, usually not before a long period of stable remission, and it is done gradually with monitoring.
Is online follow-up possible with schizophrenia?
Yes, for stable patients, follow-up consultations by video call are convenient and help avoid gaps in care. An online psychiatrist appointment in Zhitikara is used to assess well-being and side effects, but if there are signs of relapse, an in-person examination is required.
Does cannabis use affect schizophrenia?
Yes. Using cannabinoids, especially in youth, raises the risk of developing psychosis, and in people with schizophrenia it makes relapses more frequent and worsens the response to treatment. When there is a co-existing addiction, the Narcology 24 narcologist and psychiatrist manage treatment together.
Will I be put on a registry if I have schizophrenia?
With paid anonymous treatment at a private clinic, no dispensary registration is made. Information is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System.” Exceptions are possible only in cases expressly provided for by law.
Where do doctors visit in Zhitikara and where are the branches?
Home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements, 24/7. Appointments at two branches: 176 Lenina St., Zhitikara and Building 39, Microdistrict 6, Zhitikara. Phone in Zhitikara: +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
