Glossary: Medical & Psychological Terminology A–Z
A Professional Gift to the Interpreting Community from Samuel Arcelay
Medical & Psychological Terminology
The Mind and Body on Trial: Criminal cases rarely end with just the facts of the crime. They often pivot to the clinical condition of the defendant or the victim. Is the defendant competent? Does the victim suffer from PTSD? This curated list provides the precision required for high-stakes forensic evaluations.
For the legal interpreter, this glossary is an essential bridge between two technical languages. Confusing hypoglycemia with hyperglycemia or depression with repression can fundamentally alter the legal narrative.
A
Acute ConditionCondición aguda
Definition: Sudden onset illness or injury requiring immediate attention.
Notes: Opposite of chronic.
Notes: Opposite of chronic.
Addiction (Substance Use Disorder)Adicción / trastorno por uso de sustancias
Definition: Compulsive use of substances despite harm or negative consequences.
Adrenaline ResponseRespuesta de adrenalina
Definition: Fight-or-flight physiological reaction triggered by stress.
Affidavit of Medical ConditionDeclaración jurada de condición médica
Definition: Sworn statement describing a person’s medical status.
Anxiety DisorderTrastorno de ansiedad
Definition: Excessive worry or fear interfering with daily functioning.
AphasiaAfasia
Definition: Impaired language ability caused by brain injury or stroke.
AssessmentEvaluación (clínica o forense)
Definition: Structured process to determine mental, emotional, or physical status.
AtaxiaAtaxia
Definition: Lack of muscle coordination affecting speech, walking, or balance.
Attempted Suicide / Suicidal IdeationIntento de suicidio / ideación suicida
Definition: Thoughts or actions related to self-harm.
Autonomic Nervous System DysfunctionDisfunción del sistema nervioso autónomo
Definition: Irregular functioning of involuntary bodily processes.
B
Baseline Mental StatusEstado mental basal
Definition: A person’s usual cognitive and emotional functioning before injury or illness.
Behavioral Health EvaluationEvaluación de salud conductual
Definition: Assessment focusing on emotional, psychological, and behavioral functioning.
Bipolar DisorderTrastorno bipolar
Definition: Mood disorder marked by cycles of depression and mania.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)Concentración de alcohol en la sangre (BAC)
Definition: Amount of alcohol in bloodstream, expressed as a percentage.
Body Dysmorphic DisorderTrastorno dismórfico corporal
Definition: Characterized by obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance.
BradykinesiaBradicinesia
Definition: Slowness of movement often associated with neurological disorders.
Brain Trauma / TBITrauma craneal / lesión cerebral traumática (TBI)
Definition: Brain injury affecting memory, judgment, or behavior.
Breathalyzer TestPrueba de alcoholemia / alcoholímetro
Definition: Device that measures alcohol in breath to estimate BAC.
C
Cardiac ArrestParo cardíaco
Definition: Sudden loss of heart function.
CatatoniaCatatonía
Definition: State of neurogenic motor immobility and behavioral abnormality.
Clinical DepressionDepresión clínica
Definition: Severe depressive disorder affecting functioning and daily life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Terapia cognitivo-conductual
Definition: Psychotherapy that treats problems by modifying dysfunctional thoughts.
Cognitive ImpairmentDeterioro cognitivo
Definition: Reduced mental ability affecting memory, reasoning, or decision-making.
ComorbidityComorbilidad
Definition: Presence of two or more coexisting medical/psychological conditions.
Competency to Stand TrialCompetencia para ser juzgado
Definition: A defendant's capacity to understand proceedings and assist counsel.
Confusion State / DisorientationEstado de confusión / desorientación
Definition: Impaired awareness of person, place, or time.
Corticosteroid TreatmentTratamiento con corticosteroides
Definition: Anti-inflammatory medication used for pain and swelling.
Crisis InterventionIntervención en crisis
Definition: Immediate, short-term help during psychological distress.
CT ScanTomografía computarizada (TC)
Definition: Imaging test using X-rays to visualize internal structures.
D
DeliriumDelirio
Definition: Sudden, severe confusion caused by medical conditions or intoxication.
Delusion (Psychotic Symptom)Delirio / creencia delirante
Definition: Strong false belief despite evidence to the contrary.
DepersonalizationDespersonalización
Definition: Feeling detached from oneself, as if observing from outside.
Diabetes (Type I & II)Diabetes (tipo I y II)
Definition: Metabolic condition affecting blood sugar regulation.
DiagnosisDiagnóstico (clínico o psiquiátrico)
Definition: Identification of a medical or mental health condition.
DissociationDisociación / episodio disociativo
Definition: Disconnection from reality, memory, or identity.
Dopamine ImbalanceDesequilibrio de dopamina
Definition: Irregular dopamine activity affecting mood and movement.
Drug InteractionInteracción de medicamentos/drogas
Definition: Reaction when substances combine and create harmful effects.
DysphoriaDisforia
Definition: A state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life.
E
EKG / ECGElectrocardiograma (ECG / EKG)
Definition: Test measuring the electrical activity of the heart.
Electrolyte ImbalanceDesequilibrio electrolítico
Definition: Abnormal levels of minerals in the blood.
Emotional DistressAngustia emocional
Definition: Anxiety, fear, or psychological suffering caused by trauma.
Empathy FatigueFatiga por empatía
Definition: Emotional exhaustion after exposure to traumatic testimony.
Endocrine DisorderTrastorno endocrino
Definition: Condition affecting hormone-producing glands.
ExacerbationExacerbación / empeoramiento
Definition: Sudden worsening of medical symptoms.
Exposure TherapyTerapia de exposición
Definition: Treatment for anxiety/PTSD via gradual exposure.
F
Fainting / SyncopeDesmayo / síncope
Definition: Temporary loss of consciousness due to blood flow drop.
Family HistoryHistorial familiar (médico/psicológico)
Definition: Health conditions in biological relatives.
FibromyalgiaFibromialgia
Definition: Chronic disorder causing widespread pain and fatigue.
Flashback (Trauma)Recuerdo vívido / flashback
Definition: Sudden, intrusive re-experiencing of traumatic events.
Forensic Psychiatric EvaluationEvaluación psiquiátrica forense
Definition: Assessment determining mental state relative to legal issues.
Fracture (Bone)Fractura
Definition: Break in bone continuity.
Functional ImpairmentDeterioro funcional
Definition: Inability to perform daily activities due to illness.
G
Gait DisturbanceAlteración de la marcha
Definition: Abnormal walking pattern (relevant in DUI/Neurological).
Gastrointestinal DistressMalestar gastrointestinal
Definition: Stomach-related symptoms (poisoning/toxicology).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)Trastorno de ansiedad generalizada
Definition: Persistent, excessive worry lasting at least six months.
Genetic PredispositionPredisposición genética
Definition: Inherited likelihood of developing a condition.
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)Escala de Coma de Glasgow
Definition: System to assess consciousness after brain injury.
Grief Response / BereavementReacción de duelo / aflicción
Definition: Emotional response to loss affecting functioning.
Group TherapyTerapia grupal
Definition: Therapeutic sessions conducted in a group setting.
H
HallucinationAlucinación
Definition: Sensory perception without external stimulus.
Health Care ProxyApoderado de salud / representante médico
Definition: Person authorized to make medical decisions.
HematomaHematoma
Definition: Localized swelling filled with blood due to trauma.
Homicidal IdeationIdeación homicida
Definition: Thoughts about harming or killing another person.
HyperactivityHiperactividad
Definition: Excessive movement or impulsiveness (ADHD).
HypertensionHipertensión
Definition: Chronically elevated blood pressure.
HypervigilanceHipervigilancia
Definition: Heightened state of sensory sensitivity (PTSD).
HypochondriaHipocondría
Definition: Abnormal anxiety about one's health/serious disease.
I
ImmunodeficiencyInmunodeficiencia
Definition: Weakened immune system increasing vulnerability.
Impairment (Physical or Mental)Deterioro / incapacidad
Definition: Loss of function affecting abilities.
Incapacitation (Medical)Incapacidad médica
Definition: Inability to perform activities due to illness/injury.
Informed ConsentConsentimiento informado
Definition: Voluntary agreement after being informed of risks.
InsomniaInsomnio
Definition: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Intoxication (Clinical)Intoxicación
Definition: Physical/mental impairment due to substances.
Intrusive ThoughtsPensamientos intrusivos
Definition: Unwanted, disturbing thoughts (Trauma/OCD).
IV Therapy (Intravenous)Terapia intravenosa (IV)
Definition: Delivery of fluids/meds through the vein.
J
Joint PainDolor articular
Definition: Pain in joints due to injury or inflammation.
Judgment ImpairmentDeterioro del juicio
Definition: Reduced ability to make sound decisions.
Juvenile Psychological AssessmentEvaluación psicológica de menores
Definition: Mental health evaluation for youth offenders.
K
KeratoconjunctivitisQueratoconjuntivitis
Definition: Inflammation of the eye (chemical exposure).
KetamineKetamina
Definition: Anesthetic drug; relevant in DUI/possession.
Korsakoff SyndromeSíndrome de Korsakoff
Definition: Severe memory disorder from chronic alcoholism.
L
LacerationLaceración / corte profundo
Definition: Deep skin tear from blunt or sharp force.
Learning DisabilityDiscapacidad de aprendizaje
Definition: Neurological disorder affecting school skills.
Lethality AssessmentEvaluación de letalidad
Definition: Risk assessment for homicide or serious harm.
Limb WeaknessDebilidad en las extremidades
Definition: Reduced muscle strength (Neurological injury).
Long-Term Medication ComplianceCumplimiento con medicación a largo plazo
Definition: Consistent use of prescribed medication over time.
Lumbar StrainDistensión lumbar
Definition: Injury to lower back muscles.
M
MalingeringSimulación de enfermedad
Definition: Exaggerating or feigning illness to escape duty.
MalnutritionDesnutrición
Definition: Lack of proper nutrition (elder/child neglect).
Mania / Manic EpisodeManía / episodio maníaco
Definition: Elevated mood, impulsivity (Bipolar).
Memory Lapse / ImpairmentLapsos de memoria / deterioro
Definition: Inability to recall events accurately.
Mental CompetencyCompetencia mental
Definition: Ability to understand proceedings and assist defense.
Mental Health CrisisCrisis de salud mental
Definition: Severe distress requiring urgent intervention.
Mood DisorderTrastorno del estado de ánimo
Definition: Conditions affecting mood stability.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)Resonancia magnética (RM)
Definition: Imaging technique visualizing anatomy/physiology.
Muscle SpasmEspasmo muscular
Definition: Sudden involuntary muscle contraction.
N
Narcissistic Personality DisorderTrastorno de personalidad narcisista
Definition: Inflated sense of importance and need for admiration.
Narcotic WithdrawalAbstinencia de narcóticos
Definition: Symptoms after stopping drug use (agitation, tremors).
NecrosisNecrosis
Definition: Death of body tissue due to injury.
Neurological ExaminationExamen neurológico
Definition: Tests assessing brain, spine, and nerve function.
Neuropsychological TestingPruebas neuropsicológicas
Definition: Evaluates cognitive abilities (memory, attention).
Night TerrorTerror nocturno
Definition: Intense fear sleep episodes (associated with PTSD).
Nutritional DeficiencyDeficiencia nutricional
Definition: Lack of essential nutrients (neglect evidence).
O
Obsessive RuminationsRumiaciones obsesivas
Definition: Repetitive, intrusive thought loops.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo (TOC)
Definition: Condition involving intrusive thoughts and repetitive acts.
Opioid OverdoseSobredosis de opioides
Definition: Life-threatening condition from excessive opioid use.
Organic Brain SyndromeSíndrome cerebral orgánico
Definition: Cognitive impairment caused by physical brain damage.
Orthopedic InjuryLesión ortopédica
Definition: Injury to bones, joints, or ligaments.
Overdose (Any)Sobredosis
Definition: Dangerous level of ingestion leading to impairment.
P
Panic AttackAtaque de pánico
Definition: Sudden intense fear episode with physical symptoms.
ParanoiaParanoia
Definition: Irrational mistrust, often linked to psychosis.
Pediatric EvaluationEvaluación pediátrica
Definition: Assessment of minors (abuse/neglect investigations).
Personality DisorderTrastorno de la personalidad
Definition: Enduring behavior patterns deviating from norms.
PhobiaFobia
Definition: Irrational fear causing avoidance.
PTSDTrastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT)
Definition: FLASHBACKS/AVOIDANCE triggered by traumatic events.
Psychiatric HoldRetención psiquiátrica / internación
Definition: Involuntary commitment for safety.
PsychosisPsicosis
Definition: Severe disorder involving loss of contact with reality.
Psychotropic MedicationMedicamento psicotrópico
Definition: Drug affecting mental processes or behavior.
Pulmonary EmbolismEmbolia pulmonar
Definition: Blockage of an artery in the lungs.
Q
QuadriplegiaCuadriplejía
Definition: Paralysis of all four limbs (spinal injury).
Quality of Life AssessmentEvaluación de calidad de vida
Definition: Determining how conditions affect daily functioning.
R
Radiology ReportInforme radiológico
Definition: Written interpretation of imaging tests.
REM Sleep DisruptionSueño REM
Definition: Disruption of dream phase associated with trauma.
Rehabilitation ProgramPrograma de rehabilitación
Definition: Plan for recovery from addiction/behavioral issues.
Respiratory FailureInsuficiencia respiratoria
Definition: Inability of lungs to oxygenate blood adequately.
Risk AssessmentEvaluación de riesgo
Definition: Evaluation of likelihood to harm self or others.
Ruptured OrganÓrgano roto / lesión interna
Definition: Damage to internal organs caused by trauma.
S
Schizoaffective DisorderTrastorno esquizoafectivo
Definition: Condition including schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms.
SchizophreniaEsquizofrenia
Definition: Chronic psychotic disorder (hallucinations/delusions).
Seizure / ConvulsionConvulsión / ataque epiléptico
Definition: Sudden electrical brain disturbance.
Self-Harm BehaviorConducta autolesiva
Definition: Intentional non-suicidal injury to oneself.
Shock (Medical)Choque / shock
Definition: Life-threatening inadequate blood flow.
Somatic Symptom DisorderTrastorno de síntomas somáticos
Definition: Physical symptoms worsened by psychological distress.
Stroke (CVA)Derrame cerebral / accidente cerebrovascular
Definition: Disrupted brain blood flow causing damage.
Substance-Induced PsychosisPsicosis inducida por sustancias
Definition: Psychotic symptoms resulting directly from drug use.
Systemic Infection / SepsisInfección sistémica / sepsis
Definition: Life-threatening infection spreading through blood.
T
TachycardiaTaquicardia
Definition: Abnormally fast heart rate (panic/intoxication).
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)Lesión cerebral traumática (TBI)
Definition: Injury resulting in long-term cognitive/behavioral issues.
Therapeutic ComplianceCumplimiento terapéutico
Definition: Adherence to treatment instructions.
Toxicology ReportInforme toxicológico
Definition: Lab test identifying drugs or poisons in the body.
Trauma-Informed EvaluationEvaluación con enfoque de trauma
Definition: Assessment acknowledging trauma effects on memory/behavior.
Tumor (Benign or Malignant)Tumor (benigno o maligno)
Definition: Abnormal growth affecting function.
U
Ultrasound ExaminationExamen de ultrasonido / ecografía
Definition: Imaging using sound waves to see internal structures.
Unauthorized Practice of MedicineEjercicio no autorizado de la medicina
Definition: Performing medical acts without a license.
UnconsciousnessInconsciencia / pérdida de consciencia
Definition: State of unresponsiveness due to injury.
Under the InfluenceBajo la influencia
Definition: Impaired by substances affecting mental/physical control.
UrinalysisAnálisis de orina
Definition: Lab test identifying substances or abnormalities.
V
VertigoVértigo
Definition: Spinning sensation due to ear or neurological issues.
Vital SignsSignos vitales
Definition: Blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration.
Vitamin DeficiencyDeficiencia de vitaminas
Definition: Low levels of vitamins (evidence in neglect).
Vomiting / NauseaVómitos / náuseas
Definition: Stomach distress (forensics/poisoning context).
W
Wernicke EncephalopathyEncefalopatía de Wernicke
Definition: Acute neurological condition related to alcoholism.
WithdrawalAbstinencia
Definition: Symptoms after cessation (tremors, vomiting, anxiety).
Witness Trauma ReactionReacción traumática del testigo
Definition: Emotional shock affecting recount of events.
Wound InfectionInfección de herida
Definition: Infected injury site causing fever/swelling.
X
X-Ray ImagingRadiografía
Definition: Technique used to diagnose fractures and injuries.
Xanax (Alprazolam) DependenceDependencia de Xanax (alprazolam)
Definition: Dependence on a benzodiazepine (DUI/fraud context).
Y
Yielding Response (Psychology)Respuesta de sumisión
Definition: Pattern of compliance under pressure or fear.
Youth Behavioral DisorderTrastorno de conducta juvenil
Definition: Disruptive behavioral pattern in minors.
Z
Zero-Tolerance (Addiction)Tolerancia cero (tratamiento de adicciones)
Definition: Philosophy requiring total abstinence in treatment.
Zolpidem (Ambien)Zolpidem (Ambien)
Definition: Sedative for insomnia; relevant in DUI cases.
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)Zona de desarrollo próximo
Definition: Range of tasks achievable with guidance (Child Psychology).
© 2026 The Interpreter Academy USA | Developed by Samuel Arcelay