Throughout history, children have been affected by the consequences of war.  The effect war have had on children can be either the direct result of the war or the indirect consequence of war.  Indirect consequences include growth retardation, low birth weight, increased death rate, and infection.  Direct effects of war include death from gunfire, bombs dropping, or psychological problems from extreme trauma such as having to hide under dead bodies for protection.  The degree to which children express their distress with war varies on the child’s age and sex (Al-Eissa, 1995).  Another important factor that determines a child’s ability to cope with a tragic experience is whether or not the child's basic need are supported.  Anna Freud observed children in a nursery during World War II.  She concluded that when children lack the need for personal attachment, emotional stability, and permanency of educational influences, the child might have psychological problems that may be long lasting (Rohrer, 1996).  These results were also found in a study that Harding and Looney conducted (Al-Eissa, 1995).  They concluded that a child could cope with a tragic experience if they had a strong attachment to their parents and if their basic needs were met (shelter, food, medical care).  However, far too many children go without support for these basic needs.  Therefore, a great number of children suffer from various disorders including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety.