Which symptom is NOT part of a manic episode?

A manic episode is characterized by a specific set of symptoms that include elevated or irritable mood, inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, increased talkativeness or pressure to keep talking, racing thoughts or flight of ideas, distractibility, and engagement in goal-directed activities or excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences.

The symptom of persistent sadness does not align with the characteristics of a manic episode. Instead, it is more representative of a depressive episode, which is identified in conditions such as major depressive disorder or depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. In contrast, the other options are quintessential elements of a manic episode, involving an energized or euphoric state that sharply contrasts with persistent sadness. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurately diagnosing and categorizing mood disorders in clinical practice.