Portrait of an Anorexic is the story of Maureen Ardell from age fifteen to eighteen told from two points of view, her mother's and her own. During those years Maureen was diagnosed as having anorexia nervosa and treated for the condition. Maureen's portion of the book began as an English assignment, a journal to record her experiences while hospitalized. Corry-Ann's was added to present a mother's experience with the disease and treatment process. It was published to "be of help and encouragement both to anorexics and to their families."