What symptom is least common in a patient experiencing a manic episode?

A manic episode is characterized by distinct symptoms that involve a significant increase in mood and energy levels. Elevated mood, sleep disturbances, and increased energy are hallmark features of mania. Specifically, individuals in a manic state often display an elevated or euphoric mood, have trouble sleeping, and possess a heightened level of energy that can manifest as restlessness or an inability to stay still.

In contrast, psychomotor retardation typically involves a slowing of physical and emotional responses, which is more commonly observed in depressive episodes rather than manic ones. During specific manic episodes, patients often exhibit increased goal-directed activity and an accelerated pace of thought and action, which is at odds with the concept of retardation. Therefore, psychomotor retardation is much less commonly associated with mania, making it the least fitting symptom among those listed. This understanding is critical in differentiating between the various mood disorders and helping clinicians make accurate diagnoses.