Which of the following is NOT a symptom of a manic episode?

In the context of a manic episode, persistent sadness is not a symptom. Rather, manic episodes are characterized by a distinctly elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. Individuals experiencing mania typically exhibit increased energy levels, engaging in activities at a heightened pace, and sometimes displaying racing thoughts or disturbed thinking patterns. The absence of sadness is a critical distinguishing feature of mania; instead of feeling low or depressed, individuals are usually in a state of heightened emotional euphoria or irritability. This stark contrast to depression helps in diagnosing and differentiating between mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, where both manic and depressive episodes can occur but are distinct in their symptomatology. Thus, persistent sadness stands in direct opposition to the symptoms present during a manic episode, making it the clear outlier among the options provided.