Kazakhstan's first-time mental disorder diagnoses nearly double to 15,500 by 2025
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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health reported first-time mental disorder diagnoses rose from 8,500 in 2021 to 15,500 in 2025, a near doubling. The primary incidence rate climbed from 45.1 to 76 per 100,000 people, with a further 15.7% year-on-year increase in Q1 2026. The ministry presented a 2027–2030 mental health plan shifting focus to prevention and integrating specialists into polyclinics.
Key Facts
- First-time mental disorder diagnoses in Kazakhstan rose from 8,500 in 2021 to 15,500 in 2025, according to the Ministry of Health.
- The primary incidence rate increased from 45.1 to 76 per 100,000 people over the same period.
- In Q1 2026, primary incidence rose 15.7% year-on-year, with growth in 15 of 20 regions.
- Among children under 14, primary incidence climbed from 80.2 to 147.3 per 100,000, a 1.8-fold increase.
- In 2025, 255,800 people sought mental health care, and about 210,000 were on dispensary registration.
Regional Surge
The sharpest Q1 2026 increases were in West Kazakhstan (+90.3%), Kyzylorda (+49.3%), Almaty (+33.8%), and Zhambyl (+33%) regions. Primary incidence rose in 15 of Kazakhstan's 20 regions during the first quarter of 2026. The Ministry of Health attributed part of the growth to improved early diagnosis and greater parental attention, especially for children.
Patient Profile
In 2025, 95,100 patients had disorders caused by psychoactive substance use, including 81,300 cases of alcohol dependence. Cannabis-related disorders rose 16.8% to 3,100 cases. Other registered groups included 79,100 people with intellectual disabilities and 44,400 with schizophrenia and delusional disorders. The number of psychiatrists increased from 739 in 2021 to 998 in 2025, while psychiatric beds fell 16.9% to 6,200.
Prevention Plan
The Ministry of Health presented a Comprehensive Mental Health Plan for 2027–2030 at a government meeting. The plan shifts focus from treatment to prevention, early detection, and patient support. It includes integrating mental health specialists into polyclinics, digitalizing patient pathways, training staff, and updating infrastructure.
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Kazakhstan's first-time mental disorder diagnoses nearly double to 15,500 by 2025
