Which of the following does NOT describe symptoms associated with manic episodes?

Mood swings with depressive states is not a symptom typically associated with manic episodes. Instead, manic episodes are characterized by an elevated or irritable mood lasting at least one week, alongside various specific symptoms. These include excessive talkativeness, increased goal-directed activities, and decreased need for sleep, all of which indicate heightened energy and activity levels common in mania.

While individuals with bipolar disorder may experience mood swings that include both manic and depressive episodes, these swings occur over time rather than being part of a single manic episode. Therefore, mood swings with depressive states are more indicative of the broader pattern of bipolar disorder rather than the specific symptoms occurring exclusively during a manic episode.