How to help a friend dealing with dark urges?

I have an acquaintence I've met a few times and don't know very well. A few months ago, he sent an email to a group of us sharing his dark thoughts about his uncontrollable urges. He felt that he wanted others to know what he was thinking as a way of trying to deal with it. Anyway, the contents were shocking to say the least. I've met him a few times socially since and he seems to avoid talking about that. The funny thing is that he's father's a psychiatrist. Do you think he's just seeking attention or really trying to deal with his issues by letting other people into them?

Dear brit2,
If he has stated he wants to hurt others or himself then it needs to be reported. Regardless why he is telling you it still legally needs to be reported. His father would very much understand if this was the case. You see if you fail to disclose that he was going to hurt himself or others and he did and it was found out you knew you could be charged under the law. If I were his father and I found out you knew and didn't do anything I would make sure you were charged. So no matter his reasons for telling you are now responsible...is it fair...probably not...do you know for a reason...yes, perhaps to save a life.
Sue...good luck

What kind of urges?

Hmmm. A bit difficult to disclose but it involves doing things to the opposite sex.

again if he is going to hurt others it is your duty to report it.
Sue