Chronic Nightmare Disorder - What to do?!

[ChelseaMarie2393]

About a year ago I was diagnosed with Chronic Nightmare Disorder (DSM-IV number is 307.47). I've had nightmares from about 5 years old and I'm 23 now. I have between 1-5 nightmares every night and seldom get any sleep at all. It has caused a multitude of problems that all sleep deprivation cases do, however this one seems to be more psychological. I almost NEVER have a "good" dream (about one per year). I can recall every intricate detail of almost every nightmare, down to voices, facial features, hair style, nail polish, etc. The nightmares have an incredible story but all are extremely terrifying (quite amazing to see what my subconscious can come up with each time). The nightmares are almost never repeated but the themes are the same: Murder, rape, robbery, death, car accidents, etc.

So far no one can come to even the slightest idea of what may be causing it. As far as I know, I've never experienced any real trauma so PTSD may be ruled out. UNLESS my memory has suppressed it? I am not looking for a "suppression" solution such as medication, etc. I'm wondering if anyone knows of any therapy that may work (I'm looking into Hypnosis). Or if anyone has studied in this field at all because every doctor says "this is beyond my scope of research".

Thank you so much for any direction at all...

[Caryopteris]

I would start with lab work.  If you don't want to do that, I would take certain supplements that we all tend to be lacking in.  Magnesium, potassium, vitamin D3, and zinc deficiencies may cause sleep problems.  Some people have nightmares from eating too close to bedtime.  Relaxation therapy may help you a lot, and yoga is even better.  
I do not like Rx meds, or even melatonin in a young person.  It's probably okay for older people IMO.