I don't have an answer for this, but I definitely second the original poster's question. Certainly "destroying the world" would be distressing, but not all characters who contributed to the disaster go off the deep end. Topher seems to be more than just depressed, and he has always been, ahem, unusual.

if you watch the most recent episode, "Meet Jane Doe", you'll see the beginnings of the device Topher creates that eventually leads to the end of the world you see depicted in "Epitaph One". The device he shows off is not the one that ruins humanity, but the one he shows to Adelle is the one because it can remotely imprint anyone with any personality regardless if they have Dollhouse architecture in their brain or not. Considering that he had trusted Adelle DeWitt with this secret and she turned around and gave it to Rossum anyways is reason enough for him to start having mental breakdowns and question why he is doing everything. The fact that the device is used to turn people into killers and thus end the world is MORE THAN ENOUGH reason for him to go off the edge like he did. He may have a pre-existing condition, but I still think anyone in his position would definitely go off the edge because they know that what they created should have never come to fruition and that they should have never told anyone. Go take a Psych class, because you're both obviously not seeing that TOPHER CAUSED TH E END WHICH IS WHY HE GOES OFF THE EDGE. Sheesh.

By your definition, Adelle should also go off the edge, because she also caused the end of the world. I'm just curious about Topher's psychology. You don't have to prove that he helped destroy the world. I believe that already. Sheesh, to you, too.

Plus I think it's interesting that Topher's conscience has just started to emerge since he has, in the past, been relatively unconcerned about moral issues.

Oh yes - plus, since you clearly have taken a Psych class, please explain to me more about his reasoning and psychology, from bordering on some sort of personality disorder to losing it.

Sorry if I came off as snitty myself in the above response as that was not my intention and I wrote it in the heat of the moment. Adelle does go off the edge as well, but being a woman and having already compromised her morals, her off the edge isn't as extreme as Topher's complete breakdown. This can be illustrated in the scene in Epitaph 1 where she comforts Topher and one can see her own guit. I agree with you that Topher's conscience has just emerged and that it is an interesting development. I only wish we had more time to explore its journey. Although I did take a psych class, I only took an intro and thus only know the basics. If you want a deeper explanation on Topher's mentality, your best bet would be research, searching out of blogs, and reading up on psychology. I do apologize once again for my rude tone in the above response, as once again that was done in the heat of the moment. I have enjoyed having this discussion with you and always appreciate a hearty debate. Glad to know there are fellow Dollhouse fans who care about the show as much as I do, if not more =)