Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with mania disorder?

The symptom that is not associated with mania disorder is intense feelings of sadness. Mania is characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and heightened levels of activity. Individuals experiencing a manic episode often display symptoms such as increased talkativeness, exaggerated self-worth, and hyperactive behavior. These traits stand in contrast to symptoms of depression, which includes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy or motivation. In the context of mania, intense feelings of sadness would typically indicate a depressive state rather than the euphoric or irritable mood associated with mania. Thus, recognizing that sadness is fundamentally linked to depressive episodes helps clarify the distinction between affective disorders.