Reviewed byAigul Serikova, MDPsychiatrist · updated 11.11.2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F41.1
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist makes the diagnosis and manages treatment; a psychotherapist provides CBT
- Format
- In-person appointments in Almaty and Astana; online consultations and follow-up for all cities in Kazakhstan
- Duration
- Improvement after 4–8 weeks, a psychotherapy course of 12–20 sessions, medication support for 6–12 months or longer
- Confidentiality
- Anonymous appointments, medical confidentiality, no entry in the state dispensary registry
- When it is urgent
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting — call 103 first; suicidal thoughts — 103 or 112
- Outcome
- Lower background anxiety, normal sleep, control over worry, and a return to usual activities
What to know
Anxiety is a normal reaction that helps us prepare for difficulties. But in an anxiety disorder, it is as if anxiety has lost its off switch: the person worries all the time and about many things at once — health, money, children, work — even when there is no objective reason. On top of this come muscle tension, poor sleep, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Many people spend years going from cardiologists to gastroenterologists before someone suggests looking at the situation from a psychiatric point of view.
This page is about the medical treatment of anxiety disorder: how a psychiatrist makes the diagnosis, what they rule out, how they choose between psychotherapy and medication, and how long treatment lasts. If your main problem is sudden attacks of fear with a racing heart, also read the page on panic attacks: that is a separate disorder with a different focus. And if what you are looking for is psychotherapeutic work on stress without a medical diagnosis, there is a separate format for that.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
- almost constant worry about different things for months
- anxious thoughts are hard to stop, even when you know they are excessive
- muscle tension, neck and back pain, trembling hands
- trouble falling asleep because of racing thoughts; sleep is not refreshing
- irritability, getting tired quickly, poor concentration
- palpitations, sweating, a lump in the throat, digestive problems
- avoiding situations that cause worry, so your life becomes narrower
If life is at risk — loss of consciousness, seizures, hallucinations, overdose, suicidal thoughts — call 103 or 112. Helpline for children and young people: 150.
Why Anxiety Disorder Develops
Heredity, the characteristics of the nervous system and temperament, childhood experiences, and long-term stress all play a part in the development of anxiety disorder. Often these are responsible people who tend to control everything and take everything on themselves. Over time, the brain gets used to perceiving uncertainty as a threat, and anxiety becomes self-sustaining: the person avoids frightening situations, checks things, seeks reassurance, and this reinforces the worry.
Before making a diagnosis, the psychiatrist rules out physical causes of anxiety: an overactive thyroid, heart rhythm disorders, anemia, hypoglycemia, medication side effects, and too much caffeine or energy drinks. Anxiety is often made worse by alcohol and by sedatives taken without a prescription: brief relief is followed by even greater tension. Anxiety disorder often occurs together with depression, and in that case the treatment plan takes both conditions into account.
How Anxiety Disorder Is Treated
At the first consultation, the psychiatrist asks in detail about the nature of the worry, how long it has lasted, physical symptoms, sleep, and use of caffeine, alcohol and medications. Questionnaires such as anxiety rating scales may be used. Blood tests and an ECG are ordered to rule out physical causes. The doctor then explains the diagnosis and proposes a plan: CBT, medication, or a combination. A follow-up visit takes place after 2–3 weeks, then on a schedule, including online.
Anxiety disorder is treated on an outpatient basis, but some situations require emergency help: chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting that appear for the first time — call 103 first to rule out a heart problem. If anxiety is accompanied by suicidal thoughts, call 103 or 112. Inpatient care may be needed in cases of severe co-occurring depression or dependence on sedatives.
How we help
Cognitive behavioral therapy
According to NICE guidelines, this is the first-line treatment for generalized anxiety. The psychotherapist teaches you to notice anxious thoughts, test how realistic they are, reduce the need for control and reassurance, and gradually stop avoiding difficult situations. Skills for tolerating uncertainty are practiced separately. Sessions are held once a week, with homework in between; a course usually consists of 12–20 sessions.
Medication
For severe anxiety, the psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants, which, when taken over the long term, reduce background anxiety and not just low mood. The effect builds up over several weeks. Anxiolytics, including benzodiazepines, are used only as a short course and only as prescribed by a doctor because of the risk of dependence. The regimen is chosen individually and adjusted gradually.
Working with physical symptoms
Breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation and regular exercise help reduce the tension that keeps anxiety going. It is important to cut down on caffeine, energy drinks and alcohol, and to get your sleep back on track. The doctor explains why the physical sensations of anxiety are not dangerous, and this alone reduces health worries.
Long-term follow-up
Anxiety disorder tends to come in waves: flare-ups often coincide with stressful periods. That is why treatment continues for another 6–12 months after improvement, and medication is then tapered gradually under supervision. At Akalam, follow-up appointments can be held online, which is convenient for patients from different cities in Kazakhstan.
How treatment works
- 01Call or WhatsAppThe administrator and the doctor on duty clarify the situation and tell you what to do right now.
- 02Examination or consultationThe doctor visits your home, sees you at the clinic or joins by video.
- 03Treatment planWe choose the format — at home, inpatient, psychotherapy or rehab — with a clear price.
- 04Ongoing supportYour doctor and psychotherapist stay in touch: follow-ups, family support and relapse prevention.
Myths and facts
MythAnxiety is a personality trait; it can’t be treated
FactA tendency to worry can be inborn, but when anxiety lasts for months and interferes with work and sleep, it is a medical condition with clear criteria in ICD-10. It responds to treatment with psychotherapy and medication.
MythSedatives are the best way to cope with anxiety
FactTranquilizers relieve tension quickly, but with long-term use they cause dependence and do not treat the underlying cause. International guidelines recommend them only as short courses under a doctor’s supervision, while the core of treatment is psychotherapy and antidepressants.
MythIf the tests are normal, it must all be in your head
FactNormal test results mean your heart and other organs are healthy and the physical symptoms are caused by anxiety. The symptoms are real: your pulse speeds up, your muscles tense, your digestion is disrupted. This is a reason to treat the anxiety, not to be ashamed of it.
Prices: Anxiety disorder treatment
| Anxiety disorder treatment | 20 000 ₸ |
| Psychiatrist consultation at the clinic | 15 990 ₸ |
| Psychiatrist home visit | 35 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up visit, treatment adjustment | 12 000 ₸ |
| Phone consultation | free |
Prices are approximate: the doctor confirms the exact cost after the examination, before treatment starts.
Confidential
We do not register patients with state dispensaries or share information with employers. You do not have to give your surname; doctors arrive in unmarked cars. Medical confidentiality is protected by the Code of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”.
Clinic addresses
FAQ
How is anxiety disorder different from ordinary nervousness?
Ordinary nervousness is linked to a specific situation and passes after it. In anxiety disorder, worry is almost constant, covers many areas of life, lasts at least several months, is hard to control, and comes with physical symptoms. A psychiatrist consultation helps tell the two apart for certain.
How long does treatment take?
The first improvements usually appear after 4–8 weeks. A course of CBT consists of 12–20 sessions. If medication is prescribed, it is taken for at least 6–12 months after improvement and then tapered gradually. The exact duration depends on severity and any co-occurring conditions.
Can I manage without pills?
For moderate anxiety, CBT is often enough. If the anxiety is severe and interferes with work and sleep, or if there is depression, combining psychotherapy with medication gives better results. A Akalam psychiatrist will explain the pros and cons of each option, and the decision remains yours.
Do I need to see a cardiologist?
If you have palpitations, chest pain or an irregular heartbeat, the psychiatrist will order an ECG and refer you to a cardiologist if needed. This is not a formality: it is important to rule out heart problems before attributing the symptoms to anxiety. After that, anxiety treatment goes more smoothly.
Does alcohol help with anxiety?
Alcohol gives short-term relief, but the next day the anxiety gets worse and sleep deteriorates. Over time, there is a risk of dependence. In addition, alcohol is dangerous to combine with many medications. If you notice that you drink to calm down, be sure to tell your doctor.
Can I be treated online if I live in a small town?
Yes. Initial assessment, psychotherapy and treatment monitoring all work well online. However, blood tests and an ECG will need to be done locally, and if the picture is unclear, the doctor may suggest an in-person appointment in Almaty or Astana. After that, treatment can continue remotely.
Sources and review
Prepared by the Akalam medical editorial team based on:
- ICD-10 and ICD-11: mental and behavioural disorders
- Clinical protocols of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan
- Code of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- WHO: mental health and substance use
- NICE and APA clinical guidelines
This information is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Editorial policy