University of Minnesota to diagnose, treat perinatal depression

The University of Minnesota’s medical school said Monday it has won a $100,000 federal contract to help diagnose and treat pregnant and postpartum women suffering from depression.

The Deborah E. Powell Center for Women’s Health, named after the former medical school dean, will work with the Department of Health and Human Services to create a system that can help screen and track women likely to develop perinatal depression and use evidence-based medicine to intervene sooner.

Despite its widespread prevalence, perinatal depression, which primarily affects lower-income women and their children, often goes undetected and untreated, the school said.

The Center will work with Hennepin County Medical Center, NorthPoint Health & Wellness Clinic and Aqui Para Ti on the project.