Which is a DIGFAST symptom?

• A. Distractibility
• B. Hallucinations
• C. Sleep paralysis
• D. Alternating mood

Answer: (A)

Distractibility is one of the core DIGFAST symptoms used to identify mania. DIGFAST stands for Distractibility, Irresponsibility, Grandiosity, Flight of ideas, Activity increase, Sleep decreased, and Talkativeness. In a manic state, attention is easily drawn away by irrelevant stimuli, causing rapid shifts in focus and difficulties sustaining tasks. This hallmark behavior reflects the heightened, racing thought pattern and increased goal-directed activity seen in mania.

The other options don’t fit the DIGFAST items. Hallucinations can occur if mania has psychotic features, but they’re not part of the DIGFAST mnemonic itself. Sleep paralysis is a sleep-winding issue, not a manic symptom. Alternating mood describes mood swings, which can occur in bipolar disorder, but it’s not a specific DIGFAST symptom.