Edward Khantzian

Dr. Edward J. Khantzian is a clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. [1] He is the co-originator of the self-medication hypothesis of drug abuse which states that individuals abuse drugs in attempt to self-medicate.

Khantzian is a first generation Armenian, born and raised in Haverhill, Massachusetts. When asked about his Armenian background, Khantzian said.

“My family origins were very humble and there were significant economic disadvantages and hardship, but our strong family identity and care, much related to our ‘Armenianess,’ has played an important role in persisting with my goals to be a successful physician and a successful family man.” Born to a mother who lived through and survived the genocide, Khantzian is no stranger to adversity. His father died of a sudden heart attack when he was 16 years old, leaving him as the man of the house.

Dr. Khantzian is a graduate of Boston University and completed his medical education at Albany Medical College of Union University.

References

• yerevan magazine