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

A manic episode is characterized by a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, along with increased activity or energy. The symptoms typically include increased talkativeness, decreased need for sleep, and grandiosity, all of which reflect the heightened mood and energy levels associated with mania.

Persistent sadness, on the contrary, is not a symptom of a manic episode; it aligns more closely with depressive episodes. Individuals experiencing a manic episode usually exhibit euphoric or overly cheerful moods rather than feelings of sadness. Therefore, identifying persistent sadness as NOT a symptom of mania is correct, as it indicates a different emotional state, specifically related to depression, rather than the heightened emotional states observed in mania.