Reema Alkhalefah

King Saud Bin Abdulaziz for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia

Title: Gut-Brain Strain: The Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Depression and Prospective and Retrospective Memory Performance of Medical Students

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Biography

Reema Alkhalefah is a medical intern in Saudi Arabia who completed her clinical training at King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA). She has a strong interest in psychiatry, mental health, and patient-centered care, and has participated in clinical research projects related to mental health and medical education.

In addition to her academic work, she has been involved in volunteer and awareness activities aimed at promoting mental health and supporting community well-being. She is currently developing her clinical and academic skills while preparing for residency training in psychiatry, with a particular interest in child and adolescent mental health. She aims to contribute to improving early detection of psychiatric disorders and enhancing mental health awareness in the community.

Abstract

Background:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder strongly associated with psychological stress and mood disorders. Medical students represent a high-risk population due to academic pressure, irregular sleep, and lifestyle stressors. While the association between IBS and depression is well established, its relationship with cognitive functions such as prospective and retrospective memory remains insufficiently explored.

Aim:

To evaluate the association between IBS, depression, and memory performance among medical students.

Methods:

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students in Saudi Arabia. IBS was diagnosed using the Rome IV criteria. Depression severity was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, and memory performance was evaluated using a validated prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations between IBS, depression, and memory impairment.

Results:

IBS was identified in approximately one-third of participants. A statistically significant association was observed between IBS and depression (p < 0.001). Depression was also significantly associated with impaired prospective and retrospective memory (p < 0.001). However, IBS showed no significant direct association with memory impairment after controlling for confounding variables.

Conclusion:

IBS is strongly associated with depression among medical students, and depressive symptoms are significantly linked to memory impairment. These findings highlight the importance of early screening for psychological distress in students presenting with IBS symptoms. Integrated mental health support may improve both psychological well-being and academic functioning in this population.