In Kazakhstan, the number of people diagnosed with mental illness for the first time has nearly doubled in recent years. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the Ministry of Health, in 2021 such a diagnosis was given to 8.5 thousand people, and in 2025 this figure reached 15.5 thousand people.
The primary morbidity rate per 100 thousand population increased from 45.1 to 76 patients. In the first quarter of 2026, 74 patients were registered, which is 15.7% more compared to the same period last year.
The increase was recorded in 15 of 20 regions of Kazakhstan. The highest growth was in West Kazakhstan region – 90.3%, Kyzylorda region – 49.3%, Almaty – 33.8%, and Zhambyl region – 33%.
The incidence of mental illness has increased significantly among children and adolescents. In 2025, the primary morbidity rate among children under 14 reached 147.3 cases per 100 thousand population, which is 1.8 times more compared to 2021. Among adolescents aged 15-17, the rate increased from 46.2 to 65.9 cases.
In 2025, the total number of Kazakhstani citizens who applied to medical organizations for mental health issues amounted to 255.8 thousand people. This is 9.2% more compared to 2021.
The number of patients under dispensary observation reached approximately 210 thousand people. Of these, 95.1 thousand are registered with mental disorders related to the use of psychoactive substances. Among them, 81.3 thousand people suffer from diseases related to alcohol consumption.
In addition, the number of psychiatrists in the country has increased. Since 2021, their number has grown from 739 to 998 people. However, during this period, the number of psychiatric beds decreased from 7.5 thousand to 6.2 thousand.
The Ministry of Health plans to modernize the mental health care system. The comprehensive plan for 2027-2030 includes disease prevention, early detection, patient support, digitalization, and involvement of mental health specialists in the work of outpatient clinics.