The diffusion model of ionization of Rydberg atoms in single collisions is formulated. The solution of kinetic equations describing nonstationary diffusion processes is discussed. Methods of analytical calculation of the effective times for the development of ionization in phase regions with moving boundaries are presented. An analytical method, going back to Weisskopf, for determining the corresponding cross sections for impact ionization in the adiabatic approximation is described. A. numerical scheme for solving problems of stochastic movement of a Rydberg electron inside a Coulomb condensation of levels under conditions of time-variable ionization boundaries and region of development of stochastic instability is developed. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica.